Scientists Have Trained Rats To Drive Tiny Cars In Order To Collect Food

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When it comes to weird biological experiments, the contributions of rats are pretty much everywhere. From controlling brain to modifying genes scientists use them in so many different ways.

A team of scientists at the University Of Richmond did some similar research with them but don't worry no rats were harmed while doing experiments this time.

This process was kinda similar to how we train our dogs or cats to perform some specific actions.

So they constructed a tiny car out of a clear plastic food container on wheels, with an aluminum floor and 3 copper bars functioning as a steering wheel.

When a rat stood on the aluminum floor and gripped the copper bars with their paws the car started moving forward. Touching the left, center or right bar helped in steering the car in those specific directions.

11 male rats and 6 female rats were trained to drive in a 4 square meter rectangular arena. They were rewarded with some delicious Froot Loop cereal pieces everytime they drove the car forward.

But that wasn't interesting enough...

So the scientists started placing foods in different positions instead of placing it in front to make things hard for those rats. But the rats were ready for all the challenges. They started navigating the car in unique ways to reach the destination of the reward.

Now you may be thinking that the stress level of those rats were so high at that moment. But you're wrong. After analyzing the stress creating hormones in their brains, scientists found out that they were completely relaxed while driving their mini cars. I mean just like humans the stress level was a little high when trying something new for the first time. But it was pretty normal.

The team is now planning to do some follow up experiments to understand how rats learned to drive and why their stress level was that low. Anyways, what do you guys think about it? Comment down below…

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