Scientists have taught rats to drive little cars. And they love it. [View all]
Last edited Thu Dec 19, 2024, 09:40 PM - Edit history (2)
In an experiment scientists built tiny cars, and using pavlovian science taught rats how to drive them to a Froot Loop treat. They would get in the battery powered cart and steer to the food to eat right from the driver seat, like they were at the local A&W.
But a weird thing happened. Even without a treat the rats still wanted to motor about. They would "jump up and down like a dog that believes it's going for a walk". They just enjoyed driving around the test area like it was Saturday cruise night in Detroit. They would even thrill to sit in the car pushing the lever that revved the engine before embarking to their ride. According to the study "Rather than pushing buttons for instant rewards, they remind us that planning, anticipating and enjoying the ride may be key to a healthy brain,” So getting there is half the fun for creatures big and small.
No word if they are being fitted for leather jackets or if they push the seat way back to pimp their rides. If the car stops will they pop the hood and look at the motor hoping to find something they can fix? I don't know, but once again I'm reminded that in the universe we're not much different than rats. I hope I'm maybe a better driver.
https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/rats-driving-in-richmond-dec-17-2024
https://nypost.com/2024/11/17/science/scientists-teaching-rats-how-to-drive-discover-that-the-rodents-have-a-need-for-speed/
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