PREVIEW

Scientists at the University of Richmond have trained rats to drive tiny custom-made cars in exchange for sweet treats.

The experiment began with a humble prototype—a rodent-sized vehicle crafted from a plastic cereal container. Through trial and error, the team discovered that rats could learn to grasp a wire acting as an accelerator, propelling them forward with surprising accuracy toward their reward: a coveted Froot Loop.

As expected, rats raised in enriched environments, equipped with toys, space, and social companions, mastered the driving task more quickly than those in standard cages. This supports the long-standing theory that stimulating environments boost neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and change throughout life.

Kelly Lambert and her team use the latest iterations of rat-operated vehicles (ROVs), designed in collaboration with robotics expert Professor John McManus. These upgraded cars, featuring rat-proof wiring, durable tyres, and ergonomic levers, resemble a rodent-scale version of Tesla’s Cybertruck, according to researchers.

“Rats generally prefer dirt, sticks, and rocks over plastic objects,” Lambert observed. “Now, we have them driving cars.”

Yet, much like humans adapting to cars long after inventing the wheel, the rats demonstrated a remarkable capacity to learn new skills, leaping eagerly into their vehicles and revving their “engines” in anticipation of the journey.
Further experiments revealed that some rats even preferred driving their cars to walking directly to a treat, implying they found the journey itself rewarding. This finding aligns with growing evidence that positive emotions and experiences have profound effects on brain health in both humans and animals.

Lambert adds: “Surprisingly, two of the three rats chose to take the less efficient path of turning away from the reward and running to the car to drive to their Froot Loop destination.

This response suggests that the rats enjoy both the journey and the rewarding destination.”
The research underscores a broader lesson: while stress and fear are essential areas of study, positive experiences also play a vital role in shaping behaviour and promoting resilience.

As Lambert notes, “In a world of instant gratification, these rats remind us that planning, anticipating, and enjoying the ride are key to a healthy brain.”