Rats Help Each Other: When Compassion Emerges from Small Creatures

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In the animal kingdom, rats are often seen as creatures that live solely by instinct and have little ability to express emotions like humans. However, a recent study has revealed a surprising aspect of rats, showing that they are capable of helping their peers in difficult situations. This study was conducted by Professor Peggy Mason and colleagues at the University of Chicago and was published in the journal Science in 2011.

In the experiment, the scientists placed one rat inside a sealed tube with a door that could only be opened from the outside, while the other rat was allowed to roam freely. The goal was to observe whether the free rat would help its captive friend. After a few attempts, the free rat learned how to open the door to rescue its companion. Notably, the rat did not open the door for a stuffed toy rat or when the tube was empty, proving that the motivation to open the door was to help its companion, not out of curiosity or for material rewards.

This experiment demonstrated that the free rat prioritized rescuing its companion over seeking a material reward. The researchers tested another scenario where a tube containing chocolate was sealed. However, the free rat still prioritized rescuing its friend rather than enjoying the favorite treat. This result indicates that the act of helping is not only social but also reflects a deeper connection between individuals.

This study was published in the journal Science in 2011 and conducted by Professor Peggy Mason and colleagues at the University of Chicago. It is a clear example of empathy and mutual help in nature, something not all animal species are capable of.