Can Rats Drive Cars?

American scientists recently taught rats to drive cars.

The results of the experiment showed how bright these animals really are.

First, the researchers used a plastic container to make a tiny car.

It had a steering wheel made of three copper sticks.

The car was powered by electricity.

When the rats touched one of the copper sticks, an electric current propelled the car forward.

Also, the rats could change directions by touching a different copper stick.

Next, the researchers put the rats and cars in a maze.

Then, they watched as the rats drove the cars to find the food.

At first, the rats struggled to control the cars.

But because they were motivated by the food awards, they worked hard to learn.

Soon, they became very good drivers.

What's more, the researchers found another interesting change in the animals.

They said the rats were now more resilient.

In other words, the rats became stronger after mastering a difficult task like driving.

 

• steering wheel (자동차의) 핸들   steering  조종 장치

• propel prəˈpel (몰거나 밀거나 해서) 나아가게 하다  (사람을 특정한 방향·상황으로) 몰고 가다 (→propulsion)  resilient rɪˈzɪliənt  (충격·부상 등에 대해) 회복력 있는, 탄력 있는