Some Rabbits are Doing Handstands Instead of Hopping

   For a select few in the domesticated rabbits breed known as sautuer d'Alfort, walking quickly on their front paws has become more practical than hopping. Researchers from PLOS Genetics report that this abnormal form of movement may be the result of a defect in a gene related to limb movement (RORB). Similarly, Stephanie Koch, a neuroscientists at the University College of London, has reported that mice containing this same genetic defect, have the same tendencies. Both animals hike their back legs up into the air then waddle forward on both front paws. A study was conducted on the rabbits where hop-less sauteur a-Alfort males were bred with New Zealand white female rabbits that could hop. The genetic makeup of the offspring was then scanned to look for mutations in the babies that couldn't hop as compared to the ones that could. The mutation of the RORB gene showed as the most likely cause. This particular mutation created faulty copies of genetic code cell use to make proteins, resulting in less RORB proteins in the specialized nerve cells of the rabbit's spinal cords. These nerve cells are known are interneurons, and help coordinate movement of the right and left side of the body- essential for walking (and in terms of rabbits, hopping). The rabbits with the mutation can still walk properly, however without coordination of their hind limbs, they can't jump (an action requiring synchronization of the back legs). Thus they left with one option to move faster than a walk... handstands. 

    I would like to preface my response with the fact that upon reading this article's title, I nearly laughed out loud in the middle of my silent Spanish classroom, and turned my laptop so my friend could see as well. She had a very similar reaction and for good cause, it's not everyday you get to do a serious homework assignment about bunnies showing off their acrobatic skills. In all serious, however, this discovery, while amusing, gives rise to a bit of concern as well as hope. The potential research gained from these rabbits and mice may further the human understanding of movement, and aid in researchers work to develop ways of repairing genetic mutations in the RORB that may cause bodily diseases or impairments. It also begs the question, what caused the genetic mutation? Though they are random and often natural at times, could the reason for this flux in protein production somehow be related to the pollutants and mutagens human centered activity burdens on the natural world? Further research is certainly necessary, however I do hope this handstand- inducing defect never reaches the human race to the extent in which it has affected the rabbits and mice- else they might have to add some new events at the Olympics.

Link: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/rabbit-handstand-front-paws-gene-defect-video 

(Highly recommend watching the 6 second video of a bunny doing a handstand on the website)