A mouse's fear of men casts doubt on scientific research

Scientists discover that rodents are affected by presence of male researchers during experiments

Mice
(Image credit: Uriel Sinai/Getty Images)

MICE become more timid and stressed when they smell a man, but are unaffected by the presence of a woman, researchers have discovered.

Scientists found that pheromones excreted by men make rats and mice believe they are under threat. The research "could have major implications" for laboratory tests that involve rodents, the Daily Telegraph says.

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