Mice benefit

Feb 4 2008

The first mouse to catch a cold could open doors to new asthma treatments, scientists said.

Before the rodent's appearance it was thought that most cold viruses could only infect chimpanzees and humans.

Now researchers have created a genetically engineered laboratory mouse susceptible to rhinoviruses, which cause three-quarters of common colds - and they hope the animal will provide an invaluable test-bed for new cold remedies, as well as treatments for more serious conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.