Researchers teach rats to drive cars, revealing insights into brain adaptability and behavior

Researchers have successfully taught rats to drive small vehicles, using a modified cereal container as a car. The rats learned to operate the cars by pressing a lever, showing motivation and skill in navigating towards treats. The study revealed that rats in enriched environments learned to drive faster, supporting the idea that complex surroundings enhance brain adaptability. The project has evolved with improved rat-operated vehicles designed for better durability and usability. Additionally, the research has shifted focus to how anticipation of positive experiences affects rat behavior. Preliminary findings suggest that rats trained to wait for rewards show increased optimism and improved problem-solving abilities, indicating the significance of positive emotions in animal behavior.