They constructed a tiny car out of a clear plastic food container on wheels, with an aluminium floor and three copper bars functioning as a steering wheel. When a rat stood on the aluminium floor and gripped the copper bars with their paws, they completed an electrical circuit that propelled the car forward. Touching the left, centre or right bar steered the car in different directions.
The team is now planning follow-up experiments to understand how rats learn to drive, why it seems to reduce stress and which brain areas are involved.
Can we train our spouse this way?