USU Lab Uses Rats to Help Learn About Human Behavior

Rats and humans share many similarities.

The two species share 98% of their DNA. Studies show that rats may have the ability of imagination, much like humans, and they might also be able to monitor the strength of their own thoughts and memories.

These similarities to human behavior are part of why, here at USU, a lab is using them to study human behavior and how we might be able to intervene and help with negative behaviors — like gambling, smoking and substance abuse.

The teaching lab takes on a new and unique study each year; and in doing so, they include undergraduate students in this research. This gives the students research experience early in their schooling, an opportunity that can be transformative of their academic careers and beyond.

In this video learn about the impact that taking this lab can have, and why the lab rats are such a crucial component of the work.