Study on 'racing' rats: 'They deliberately take detours'

richmond (vi) - Neuroscientists are amazed by further research conducted on rats 'racing' in carts. The animals were said to go on joy rides during a study.

Earlier research by scientist Kelly Lambert revealed that rats could be taught to drive small cars. Now, it turns out that rats likely intentionally take detours while riding in a cart. Lambert suggests that they go on 'joy rides' and enjoy the journey, as reported by Live Science.

Rats in an environment with toys and other companions quickly mastered driving skills in the vehicle, compared to their counterparts in an empty, standard cage. Lambert said, 'This finding supported the idea that complex environments enhance neuroplasticity: the brain's ability to respond to environmental demands in life.' The rats were rewarded with food at the destination after learning how to get in the car and press the gas pedal with their paws.

Lambert previously published a study on the driving rats and has now placed them in improved, electric 'ROVs,' complete 'with rat-proof wiring, indestructible tires, and ergonomic steering levers, resembling a rodent version of Tesla's Cybertruck.' She emphasizes that the research is not a realistic portrayal of actual rat life. She says it was an 'interesting way to study how rodents acquire new skills.' 'Unexpectedly, we found that the rats had intense motivation for their driving training, often jumping into the car and hitting the gas on the 'throttle motor' before their vehicle set off,' she added. During the calm period of the pandemic, the rats were eager to sign up for one of the test drives upon entering her laboratory.

'From previous studies with laboratory rats, it has been found that rats pressing a lever for cocaine (a stimulant that increases dopamine activation) already experience a dopamine peak when they anticipate a dose of cocaine,' Lambert further adds.