Rats learn to drive minicars and surprise scientists with their enthusiasm at the wheel (YouTube @AFP)
Scientists from the University of Richmond discovered that rats can be trained to drive minicars and, surprisingly, seem to enjoy the activity.
The research, led by neuroscientist Kelly Lambert since 2019, showed that the rodents not only operate the vehicles skillfully, but also appear eager and excited to participate, even revving the engines before starting.
The motivation to drive was linked both to the expectation of a reward, such as a Froot Loop, and to the pleasure generated by the experience itself.
The study, which explores how animals adapt to their environment, develop cognitive skills, and process new learning, gained attention after going viral in 2022 and being featured in a Netflix documentary. Lambert observed that when rats were trained to drive in exchange for rewards, they displayed positive behavior, showing enthusiasm similar to that of a dog ready for a walk. Even without the promise of an immediate reward, the rodents remained interested in driving, suggesting that the act itself brought satisfaction.
+ Click here to see a video about the study
The initial idea came from Beth Crawford, a former psychology professor at the university, and was picked up by Lambert due to its scientific implications. For Lambert, the research goes beyond curiosity: it highlights how planning, anticipation, and engagement in complex tasks can contribute to a healthy brain. Thus, teaching rats to drive turned out to be not only a unique experiment but also a window into better understanding the relationship between behavior, learning, and emotions in animals.
Source: New York Post | Photo: YouTube @AFP | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
