TOW #2 - Article: "Toxoplasma Infection Permanently Shifts Balance in Cat and Mouse Game" by University of California - Berkeley

Mice no Longer Fear Cats!

http://images.sciencedaily.com/2013/09/130918181110-large.jpg

Science has always been the epitome of surprise and mystery. In today's society, the scientific community is at the pinnacle of its success, making discoveries almost everyday. With the assistance of Michael Eisen and Ellen Robey (molecular and cell biology professors), graduate Wendy Ingram discovered that the Toxoplasma parasite can permanently alter the behavior of mice. Known to cause spontaneous abortions and undermine one's immune system, these parasites can also reshape mice's behavior so that they no longer fear cats. Even when the parasite is removed from a mouse, the condition still remains. Predictions as to the direct cause of this phenomenon include brain damage and memory loss. This article, published in sciencedaily.com, was written by the University of California - Berkeley, a university on the west coast of USA known for its extensive science and research programs. Though not written by a single person, this sciencedaily article is a product of those who contributed to this research project. The goal of disclosing this breakthrough is to inform the scientific community and the general public of the progress science is making currently. Additionally, this disclosure allows everyone to learn that there is much that can be explored in the field of neurology. Throughout the entire article, the rhetorical device that appealed most to the audience is logos. Line after line and sentence after sentence, facts were continuously stated and researchers who were involved were constantly quoted. Furthermore, to start off the article, the author(s) incorporated a little humor to appeal to pathos. The introduction reads, "Infected mice lose their fear of cats, which is good for both cats and the parasite, because the cat gets an easy meal and the parasite gets into the cat's intestinal track, the only place it can sexually reproduce and continue its cycle of infection." By starting off in such a matter, the article hooks the audience, making them interested. Overall, the University of California was able to successfully inform the public of their discovery through of its abundance of stated findings, complemented with the appeal to logos and pathos. 

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130918181110.htm