A new study has shown that rats are capable of empathy. No only do they appear to share the discomfort of others, but they will free a fellow rat from confinement even when there is no obvious reward for doing so.
This makes them superior to many members of the current Congress.
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“In the new study, laboratory rats repeatedly freed their cage-mates from containers, even though there was no clear reward for doing so. The rodents didn’t bother opening empty containers or those holding stuffed rats.
To the researchers’ surprise, when presented with both a rat-holding container and a one containing chocolate — the rats’ favorite snack — the rodents not only chose to open both containers, but also to share the treats they liberated.”
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Much more about this fascinating study at the link.
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The Town Scryer is a mixed bag of humor, socio-political observations and ephemera from the perspective of a eclectic Pagan veteran of the counter-culture. Philip Posehn's main blog is at The Town Scryer.
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