Scientists Giving Prozac To Hampsters Who Have The Winter Blues

[matcom]

<snip>

Even hamsters get the blues.

Researchers at Ohio State University say they've done a study suggesting the rodents may get depressed during the winter, just as many humans do.

They say their findings also seem to show that winter's darker days can weaken the immune system, explaining why illnesses such as the flu occur more often at this time of year.

In the study, some hamsters were exposed to 16 hours of light per day, others to just eight hours. After about two months, the researchers found the hamsters that spent less time in the light ate less and appeared more anxious.

As the study continues, student lab assistants are trying to treat the depressed hamsters with Prozac.

http://www.wftv.com/family/5975657/detail.html

[Shell Beau]

1. I told everyone my hamster needed a break! Jeez...

:crazy: No one ever believes me!