stop me before I read more

[bunrab]

So while I was trying to fall asleep (unsuccessfully, obviously, since it's now 3:20 a.m.) I was reading in bed for a bit, an issue of Science News from a couple of weeks ago. This is always dangerous, because there is so much fascinating science trivia out there waiting to be discovered. In this particular issue, we find out that: mice sing. More specifically, researchers have discovered that male mice sing ultrasonic courtship songs to female mice. The songs are about 2 octaves above human hearing range. Each mouse's song contains several "syllables" and is repetitive, indications of singing rather than random squeaks, and no two mice sing exactly the same song. In fact, it appears that the songs are learned, rather than completely instinct. Some scientists are denying that it can possibly be song, because complex songs are things that big, smart creatures like whales do, not mere mice. Circular reasoning, if you ask me. However the important questions that the whole issue brings to mind are:
1. ::channeling Dave Barry:: Wouldn't "Ultrasonic Mouse Song" be a great name for a band?
2. How long before we have "American Idol: The Murine Version"?
3. And how long before we find out on CSI that Gil Grissom knows all about mouse songs and explains it carefully to Sarah while avoiding answering a direct question?
4. What implications does this have for building a better mousetrap? Embedded chips with speeded-up recordings of Paul McCartney?
5. And how many of you want the next animal they test for singing to be squid, not because there's any scientific rationale for it, but just because squid songs would be too cool?