Johanna Schmeer has created some mousetraps for "genetically and technologically enhanced rodents, all of which already exist in laboratories today."

Says Schmeer, the project "aims at creating a reflection and discussion about the altering and design of lifeforms, by speculating into a future where these new lifeforms become commonplace, and a part of our natural environment."


(Click the images below for full sized images)

Waltzing mouse trap

"The 'waltzing mouse' , which is the only one of the three that also exists in nature today, has a genetic abnormality which, because of a defect of the inner ear, causes the mouse to run in circles due to problems with its balance. The trap captures the mouse through a circular pipe which is closed at the top - due to the genetic defect the mouse will not be able to escape by walking backwards or turning around."

Cyborg mouse trap

"The 'cyborg mouse' is a mouse like the many rodents that have been used in laboratories to test brain implants. The trap captures the mouse by attracting it to a strong magnet, which switches off its movement-controlling brain implant."

Birdsong mouse trap

"The third trap is shaped like a speaker and plays birdsongs to attract the 'birdsong mouse', a mouse which sings like a bird that has been created by Japanese researchers."

+ johannaschmeer.com