We all know that dogs can sense an earthquake coming but now scientists are training rats to rescue earthquake survivors while wearing tiny backpacks which contain microphones and location trackers so that rescuers can trace and speak to them.
According to reports, seven rodents have been trained to make their way through earthquake debris. It took almost two weeks to make them fully equipped. Why did the scientists choose the rats to be trained? The rats were chosen because of their compact size and agility which makes them the perfect companion in disaster zones.?
The project is being led by scientist Dr Donna Kean, from Scotland's Glasgow. The 33-year-old scientist has been working in Morogoro, Tanzania, over the past year for a non-profit organisation APOPO as part of their project 'Hero Rats'.?
Dr Kean has studied ecology at Strathclyde University and also holds a PhD at Stirling University - she was fascinated by how quickly rats can learn and be trained. She also wants to clear the misconception that rodents are unhygienic and called them 'sociable' creatures instead. She also believes that these well-trained rats will save many lives one day.?
"Rats would be able to get into small spaces to get to victims buried in the rubble. We have not been in a real situation yet, we have got a mock debris site. When we get the new backpacks we will be able to hear from where we are based and where the rat is, inside the debris. We have the potential to speak to victims through the rat,Ħħ Kean was quoted as saying by Metro newspaper.?
The rats will be sent to Turkey, which is prone to earthquakes, to work with a search and rescue team.?
H/T: Metro
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