While rats are often viewed as pests or disease carriers, their contributions extend far beyond these common assumptions, with many overlooking their surprising and beneficial roles. This article explores several often-overlooked positive contributions of rats, challenging preconceived notions and highlighting their value in unexpected ways.
Rats as Valued Companions
Domesticated rats possess characteristics that make them rewarding companion animals. Pet rats are notably intelligent, capable of learning their names, commands, and tricks. They can be taught to navigate mazes, solve puzzles, and even perform complex behaviors like fetching small objects or jumping through hoops through positive reinforcement.
These animals are also remarkably clean, spending a significant portion of their day grooming themselves and their cage mates. With proper cage hygiene, pet rats rarely emit unpleasant odors. They are social creatures, forming strong bonds with their human companions and often exhibiting affectionate behaviors such as “grooming” their owners or cuddling. Their playful and curious nature makes them engaging and devoted members of a household.
Contributions to Medical Research
Rats have a long history as model organisms in scientific and medical research, with their use dating back over 150 years. Their physiological and genetic similarities to humans make them suitable for studying human biology and diseases. Rats share approximately 90% of their genetic material with humans, and their cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems often mirror human systems. This resemblance allows findings in rat studies to translate effectively to human conditions.
Their relatively rapid breeding cycles and manageable size also contribute to their utility in laboratory settings. Researchers utilize rat models to advance understanding and develop treatments for various conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Rat models have also been instrumental in drug development and vaccine testing, ensuring the safety and efficacy of new medical interventions.
Rats in Specialized Detection Roles
The keen sense of smell and intelligence of certain rat species, particularly the African giant pouched rat, have been successfully harnessed for real-world applications. One prominent example is their use in landmine detection. Their lightweight bodies prevent them from detonating mines, allowing them to safely identify explosive devices by scent. Organizations like APOPO have trained these “HeroRATs” to detect TNT in landmines, speeding up demining efforts and making vast areas of land safe for communities.
Another application is their role in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB). Trained rats can detect the specific volatile organic compounds associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum samples, even at low bacterial loads. This method serves as a rapid and cost-efficient second-line screening tool, complementing traditional microscopy and increasing case detection rates, especially in resource-limited settings. Beyond these established uses, research is exploring their potential in detecting illegal wildlife products like pangolin scales, rhino horns, and ivory, as well as specific environmental contaminants.