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Scientists give rats erections with the flip of a switch

Published 06:55 27 Mar 2015 GMT

Updated 09:16 27 Mar 2015 GMT

JOE
Scientists give rats erections with the flip of a switch

Homefitness & health

Boffins can now trigger instant erections in rats by shining a blue light underneath them, and plan to extend the trial to humans soon.

Wait; is this some cruel new method of torture or a legit cure for impotence?

The science behind this revolutionary treatment seems quite straightforward. The team from the University of Zurich injected a gene that reacts to light into the rodents' erectile tissue. A naturally-occurring enzyme then causes the stiffness to wear off over time.

Whilst this could be a godsend for those men who suffer from erectile disfunction it could be both a blessing and a terrible curse.

The team hope they could have a viable product within five to 10 years.

At least it’s less terrifying than the concept of using spider venom to cure wonky erections...

Scientists give rats erections with the flip of a switch