Natural History Wanderings

NPR reported

In neuroscientist Kelly Lambert’s lab at the University of Richmond, rats hop into cars, rev their engines and skid across the floor of an arena. Researchers taught these tiny rodents to drive — and turns out, they really like it. But why?Host Regina G. Barber talks with Kelly about her driving rats, and what they tell us about anticipation, neuroplasticity, and decision making. Plus, why optimism might be good for rats, and for humans too.Want to hear more fun animal stories?

— Read on and listen at www.npr.org/2026/01/01/1249800798/science-brain-driving-rats-behavior