Scientists observed mice with and without the PKCI/HINT1 gene, or "despair gene", and found that those without the despair gene displayed behaviors indicative of changes in mood function, such as increased perseverance and reduced anxiety in open spaces. The mice that had the gene eventually gave up trying to avoid apparent danger in tests involving swimming or exposure to light -- conditions disliked by mice. Scientists are still unsure what are the exact causes of mood dysfunctions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but believe that this is a great advancement.
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