---
title: "Researchers Create ‘Super-Smart’ Mice with a Single Gene Mutation"
description: "Researchers have created unusually intelligent mice by altering a single gene and as a result the mice were also less likely to feel anxiety or recall fear."
date: "2015-08-15"
modified: "2015-08-15"
authors:
  - name: "Hashem AL-ghaili"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/hashem_al-ghaili"
url: "https://futurism.com/researchers-create-super-smart-mice-with-a-single-gene-mutation"
categories:
  - "Science & Energy"
---

# Researchers Create ‘Super-Smart’ Mice with a Single Gene Mutation

![](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/blt-mouse-2.jpg>)

- The researchers altered a gene in mice to inhibit the activity of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-4B (PDE4B), which is present in many organs of the vertebrate body, including the brain.
- In behavioural tests, the PDE4B-inhibited mice showed enhanced cognitive abilities. They tended to learn faster, remember events longer and solve complex exercises better than ordinary mice.
- This research sheds light on the molecular underpinnings of learning and memory and could form the basis for research into new treatments for age-related cognitive decline, cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, and other conditions.

### Author social links  
[Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010193103090>)  
[LinkedIn](<https://de.linkedin.com/in/hashem-al-ghaili-1b30679b>)