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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWatch: Scientists have taught rats to drive - and they love it
A team of researchers at the University of Richmond have taught rats to drive mini-cars - and not only are the rodents good at it, they enjoy it too.
The scientists built the rat-sized vehicles out of clear plastic food containers, with three copper bars that served as a steering wheel.
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We already knew that rodents could recognise objects, press bars, and find their way around mazes, but we wondered if rats could learn the more complex task of operating a moving vehicle, said Kelly Lambert, professor of behavioral neuroscience at the University of Richmond.
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The study found that the rats actually felt more relaxed after driving, with heightened levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the hormone that counteracts stress.
https://www.euronews.com/2019/10/26/watch-scientists-have-taught-rats-to-drive-and-they-love-it
More relaxed after driving? I'll have to unlock my inner rat after driving, because I certainly am not
on edit: the video is kind of cute
dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)matter who I am with, meant I was a control freak. Maybe there is more to it.
global1
(25,257 posts)and see what kind of hormones the rats secrete. You know - the Rat-Race!!!!!!
I wonder if they would observe some roadrage?
mbusby
(823 posts)...it's 'Rat Rage'.
Cracklin Charlie
(12,904 posts)Maybe I can get a rat to drive me around town.
Marthe48
(16,983 posts)I think anyone with who can pay for a license gets one.
intrepidity
(7,327 posts)Or driving Uber?