this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2025
135 points (100.0% liked)

science

20929 readers
442 users here now

A community to post scientific articles, news, and civil discussion.

rule #1: be kind

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
top 8 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] mcavoya@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago

The headline may be true, but who would know?! My cats have been demented since kittenhood.

[–] AmidFuror@fedia.io 12 points 2 days ago

The photo is staged. This is a non-demented cat being distracted by something over the cameraman's shoulder. How many of the other supposedly demented cats were put up to the charade with promises of treats and playtime?

[–] KingGordon@lemmy.world 14 points 2 days ago (1 children)

This is bad for cats. Millions of mice are already abused for alz research.

[–] RipLemmDotEE 6 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Try actually reading the article. All tests were performed on cats who were already deceased.

[–] KingGordon@lemmy.world 7 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

I did. Try thinking next steps. What about the next round? What about drug trials? What about engineering cats to be MORE susceptible to alz so the tests are easily to replicate. Like transgenic mice: https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/2025/03/06/what-are-transgenic-mice-how-did-uga-use-them-for-alzheimers-research/81743687007/

I stand by my statement.

[–] AceBonobo@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago

The editor had 2 options for a headline here:

  1. Cats develop dementia in a similar way to humans
  2. Cats develop dementia in a similar way to humans leading to hopes for a breakthrough
[–] someguy3@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago

Previously, researchers have studied genetically-modified rodents, although the species does not naturally suffer from dementia.

"Because cats naturally develop these brain changes, they may also offer a more accurate model of the disease than traditional laboratory animals

[–] m3t00@piefed.world 4 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)