Added to the Recall List: Millions of Frozen Mice

A popular drug that is used by millions of diabetics around the world significantly decreases tobacco-induced lung tumors in mice, a study published Wednesday found.Researchers led by Philip Dennis, a senior investigator at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), gave the diabetes drug metformin to mice which had been exposed to a carcinogen derived from nicotine.

An experimental vaccine provided 100 percent protection against the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus in primates and mice, offering hope it will work for humans too, a new study found.There is no known vaccine or treatment for the disease, which has infected millions of people in Africa and Asia and can cause debilitating pain and, in extreme cases, death.

Scientists have for the first time created a sliding scale of pain for mice based on facial expressions, according to study published Sunday.The so-called "mouse grimace scale" will speed up the development of new analgesics for humans, and could help reduce unnecessary suffering of mice and other animals in biomedical research, the researchers said."There are also serious implications for the improvement of veterinary care," said Jeffrey Mogil, a professor at McGill University in Montreal and the main architect of the study.

Millions of Toyotas -- some of them among America's most popular cars -- are under scrutiny as the result of two separate recalls, both involving problems with the gas pedal.

AP - Kellogg Co. says fallout from a massive cereal recall and slowing sales of its Eggo frozen waffles dragged down its second quarter results by 15 percent.

Toyota Motor said it will recall millions more vehicles in the United States, its second massive recall in four months, this time to fix potentially faulty accelerator pedals

"Mice may be responsible for a blaze that killed nearly 100 cats at an animal shelter near the Canadian city of Toronto, officials say(...)"   Perhaps I should have titled this post "Policing Nature, part III."  Here is the link; it's Friday afternoon and the mood is giddy.  By the way, if you're suspecting conspiracy, one official noted:

Reuters - Toyota Motor Corp said on Thursday it will recall millions more vehicles in the United States, its second massive recall in four months, this time to fix potentially faulty accelerator pedals.