Minimice

Minimice is a term used in speculative science and science fiction to describe an engineered line of miniature laboratory mice. In these depictions, minimice are developed to be significantly smaller than standard laboratory strains of Mus musculus, with the intention of reducing space, feed, and handling requirements in research facilities. The concept is commonly invoked in ethical and logistical debates about animal testing and experimental throughput.

Typical design features include adult body weights of a few grams, compact body proportions, shortened lifespans compared with conventional mice, and breeding cycles designed for rapid generation turnover. Proposals often involve genetic modifications that attenuate growth, reduce organ size, and alter metabolic rates. Proponents argue that such traits could enable high-throughput screening with smaller infrastructure, while critics warn that substantial deviations from normal physiology may limit data relevance.

Potential applications in speculative or future-focused research include early-stage pharmacology, micro-imaging and neuroscience studies using miniature imaging systems, and high-density housing for large-scale genetic screens. Ethical considerations emphasize welfare safeguards, enrichment, and careful assessment of whether minimice models deliver commensurate scientific value. In practice, any use of minimice would require adherence to standard laboratory animal care regulations and transparent reporting of physiological limitations.

See also: model organism, laboratory mouse, Mus musculus, animal welfare, ethics in animal research.