Unveiled a decade ago, a curious mouse monument stands in Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia. The Monument to the Laboratory Mouse is located in a park at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics — a research institution associated with Novosibirsk State University.
The laboratory mouse statue is a scholarly-looking elderly mouse with pince-nez glasses balanced on the bridge of its nose. It is also dressed in a cape, knitting the recognizable DNA helix.
The symbolism of the laboratory mouse statue
The statue was completed in 2013 to honor the 55th anniversary of the institution’s founding, coinciding with the 120th anniversary of the city. It was designed by artist Andrei Kharkevich and sculpted by Alexei Agrikolyansky, paying homage to the humble laboratory mouse and its scientific contribution.
“It combines the image of a laboratory mouse and a scientist because they are interconnected and serve the same cause. The mouse is captured at the moment of scientific discovery. Looking closely at her eyes, you see that this mouse has already developed something. But the whole symphony of scientific discovery, joy, ‘eureka!’ has not sounded yet,” said Andrei.
Alexei, the sculptor, said it was a challenge making the sculpture because he had to capture that moment and evoke the emotions of the “altruistic” laboratory mouse. He also had to maintain proportions so that it neither looked like a caricature nor a real mouse.
Mice help in scientists’ quest to understand DNA
The Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Russia Academy of Sciences was founded in 1957. It is devoted to the study of genetics and was established only four years after British scientists Francis Crick and James Watson discovered DNA.
Nikolai Kolchanov, the institute’s director then, said: “The monument commemorates the sacrifice of the mice in genetic research used to understand biological and physiological mechanisms for developing new drugs and curing diseases.”
Millions of mice and rats have been used in laboratories to study everything from human diseases to psychological phenomena. Lab rats are preferred because they are low-cost and small in size, and their short lifespan and quick breeding cycles make them the perfect candidate for scientists to study several generations in a short period. Also, rats have lived alongside humans for more than 15,000 years, and their genetic similarities make them good test subjects.
Scientific milestones of the institution
One of the most successful research programs of the institute is its long-running experiment on animal domestication. The scientists carefully bred more than 40 generations of wild silver foxes, noting the behavioral and physical changes as they grew more friendly and playful toward humans. This research is ongoing, and some domesticated foxes have been sold as sought-after pets to help fund further studies at the institute.
Honoring the humble laboratory mouse
Through the wise-looking rodent statue, the institute hopes to honor the sacrifice of mice and rodents in scientific advancements. It also symbolizes the gradual progress of DNA research over the last six decades — and our quest to understand humans and nature better.
Besides the Monument to the Laboratory Mouse, the research facility hopes to have more statues. We may see a fox statue next; who knows?
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