What is the science of mice called? - briefly
The discipline that investigates mice is known as murine biology, covering genetics, physiology, and behavior. Researchers also refer to it as mouse research or murine science.
What is the science of mice called? - in detail
The scientific discipline that focuses on the study of mice is commonly referred to as murinology, also known as mouse biology. It encompasses the systematic investigation of mouse anatomy, physiology, genetics, behavior, and disease mechanisms.
Murinology integrates several specialized areas:
- Genetics and genomics – mapping of mouse genomes, creation of transgenic lines, and analysis of gene function.
- Physiology – examination of organ systems, metabolic pathways, and neurobiological processes.
- Behavioral science – assessment of social interaction, learning, memory, and stress responses.
- Pathology and disease modeling – use of mouse models to replicate human disorders such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases.
- Developmental biology – study of embryogenesis, organogenesis, and stem‑cell dynamics.
Research methods typical of the field include:
- Inbred and outbred strain breeding – to control genetic background and introduce variability.
- CRISPR/Cas9 and other genome‑editing techniques – for precise manipulation of target genes.
- Phenotypic screening – employing imaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral assays to characterize mutant lines.
- High‑throughput sequencing – for transcriptomic, epigenomic, and proteomic profiling.
Institutions worldwide maintain dedicated mouse facilities, providing standardized housing, health monitoring, and ethical oversight. Regulatory frameworks such as the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals ensure humane treatment and reproducibility of results.
The knowledge generated by murinology drives translational advances, informing drug development, vaccine testing, and therapeutic strategies. Its interdisciplinary nature links molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, and computational modeling, making it a cornerstone of modern biomedical research.