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2026-10-29

Naming Genetically Engineered Mice (Part II): From Being Understandable to Being Written Correctly

2026-10-29

How should a multi-disease composite mouse model be constructed? Let’s take a look at the CKM approach.

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2026 CKM Guidelines Released: Chronic Diseases Enter the Era of Integrated Cardiorenal-Metabolic Management—It’s Time to Rethink Animal Models

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A Guide to Safe Mouse Handling | Manual on Mouse Transport Protocols and Troubleshooting

Essential Tips | Second Installment on Raising Old-Aged Mice

C57 elderly mice are currently the most widely used strain of aged rodents, and we have received numerous post‑purchase inquiries regarding their care. Today, we’re sharing another Q&A session specifically focused on C57 elderly mice.

Why do the aged mice I receive vary in body weight? Would it be possible to obtain a large batch of aged mice with uniform body weights?

A: Just like humans, mice of the same age—say, 50 years old—can vary in body weight. Typically, adult mice exhibit differences in weight. We do our best to select mice with similar weights for shipment, but it’s difficult to consistently match large batches to near‑identical weights.

My C57 elderly mice have been housed individually for some time, yet they still experience hair loss. What should I do? Why is this happening?

A: Regarding hair loss in aged mice, there are many contributing factors, as shown in the figure below↓

This condition is classified as a skin disease and may be caused by the housing environment. For more information on the causes of hair loss in mice, please refer to “...” Essential Information | Why Is My Mouse Balding? 》

I’ve been keeping my C57老年 mice for a while, and I’ve noticed they’re experiencing rectal prolapse and bloating. What could be causing this? Is it due to poor quality of the mice you provide?

A: In C57 mice of advanced age, rectal prolapse and bloating are largely attributable to the housing environment. Even if SPF‑grade conditions cannot be achieved, it is essential to ensure that the cages housing the mice are cleaned regularly. Diet and water can also contribute to disease; for C57 mice aged 12 months or older originating from an SPF barrier facility, irradiated chow should be used. Click the blue text to read “…”. Tips for Raising Older Mice 》

Rectal prolapse in aged C57 mice

In addition, rectal prolapse may also result from fighting among mice; in aged C57 mice, aggressive encounters can sometimes lead to genital injuries, causing redness and swelling. Click the blue text to read… Essential Knowledge | Do You Know the Basics About Mice and Rats? 》， it can be removed and kept in a separate cage for observation over several days.

C57 aged mice with genital injuries caused by biting during a fight

Some mice have relatively large testes, which can lead people to mistakenly think they have a prolapsed rectum.

Example: Testes of ICR mice

If the above situation occurs, first isolate the mouse for observation, then consult a veterinarian or contact the manufacturer.

I see that the C57 mice you sell come in two types: retired and non‑bred. What are the differences between these two, and will they affect my experiments? The non‑bred mice are significantly more expensive.

A : A retired mouse is a mouse that has been used for breeding; due to excessive breeding, retired mice exhibit a greater degree of aging. Higher than in non‑bred aged mice. If studying reproductive and immune functions, it is recommended to use non‑bred aged mice.

Why are so many packaging boxes used when shipping C57 aged mice? After receiving the shipment, can I house them in a single cage?

A: Due to the behavioral habits of mice, manufacturers typically arrange packaging based on the cages in which the mice are housed. Mice from the same cage are packed into the same box. If mice from different cages are placed together in the same space, they may fight. Click the blue text to learn more. Tips for Raising Older Mice 》

How can we ensure or determine the chronological age of aged mice?

A: Manufacturers maintain detailed records of the birth dates of laboratory mice, so you can request this information from them.

As C57 mice age, their fur develops a mix of gray, white, and brown hairs; the coat’s luster diminishes, and the tail becomes duller.

In C57 aged mice, sparse hair appeared on the back, and its luster diminished.

In addition, bone mineral density can also be assessed; however, it cannot precisely determine the mice’s chronological age and should be used only as a reference.

The mouse is overly active, and I’d like to catch it to administer the drug, but it keeps running in circles inside its cage. What should I do?

A: In most cases, this is due to the mouse being startled. We recommend allowing the mouse to calm down for a while and avoiding any disturbance. Once the mouse has settled, proceed with the next steps. If you administer drugs or perform procedures while the mouse is still frightened—or even exhibiting stress responses—it may be impossible to achieve the intended experimental outcomes, and there is a significant risk of mortality.

That concludes this episode’s key takeaways. I hope it was helpful to you!

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Literature Review | New Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease Research—Turns Out It May Not Be Related to β-Amyloid?

Literature Interpretation | APOE4 does not depend on β‑amyloid deposition; instead, it accelerates late‑stage vascular alterations and neurodegeneration in aged AD mouse models via cyclophilin A.