The Mouse Utopia Experiments

Synopsis

John B. Calhoun conducted a series of experiments in the late 1940s and early 1950s at Johns Hopkins University, focusing on the effects of population density on behavior. He created a controlled environment for mice, providing abundant food and space. As the population grew, the mice exhibited alarming changes, including aggression and social withdrawal. These findings were published in Scientific American and sparked widespread concern about overpopulation and societal collapse, influencing discussions on urban living and social dynamics for decades.