Wow in the World: Episode Summary – "Rat-A-Tat Tickle Attack: Do Rats Even Like Being Tickled?"
Introduction: A Whimsical Rat Fishing Adventure [00:00 – 02:57]
The episode begins with a playful skit featuring hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz engaging in an imaginative rooftop fishing expedition aimed at catching rats. Mindy, perched atop her "gingerbread mansion," humorously prepares an unconventional bait— a combination of cheese pizza and peanut butter—intended to lure unsuspecting rats.
Mindy Thomas kicks off the adventure at [00:00], saying:
“Hey, Wowzer fams. Mindy here. And before we start the show, we know that March is known for madness, but why not mystery and mischief too?”
As the skit unfolds, Guy Raz is unexpectedly tickled by the rats they attract, leading to a series of comedic interactions. At [02:57], Guy exclaims in surprise:
“Ow. What was that? Hit me right in the head.”
The Ticklish Truth: Exploring Rat Behavior [06:03 – 17:08]
Transitioning from humor to science, the hosts delve into a fascinating study from the University of Bristol led by Professor Emma Robinson, which investigates whether rats enjoy being tickled. This segment is introduced at [07:38], where Dennis summarizes:
“You see, there are millions of tiny sensors under your skin called nerve endings. And when your skin is touched, those nerve endings send signals to the parts of your brain that are responsible for making sense of touch and feeling.”
Mindy elaborates on the study’s methodology at [09:25]:
“Yeah, it came from the University of Bristol in England. And in that study, a team of researchers led by Professor Emma Robinson wanted to find out once and for all, do rats like to be tickled?”
The researchers recreated natural tickling environments to observe rat reactions. They discovered that rats emit ultrasonic giggles when tickled—sounds humans cannot hear without specialized equipment. Mindy explains at [10:32]:
“Actually, Dennis, rat laughter cannot be heard by the human ear. You can tickle those rats all day long, but you'll never be able to hear them with your naked ear, because rats laugh at a frequency far higher than human ears can detect.”
Using high-frequency ultrasonic headsets, researchers translated these giggles into audible sounds, revealing that rats who laughed more frequently also showed higher enjoyment of the tickling. Dennis highlights this correlation at [15:29]:
“So this would suggest that the rats who laughed the most also enjoyed being tickled the most.”
However, not all rats responded positively. Some exhibited less laughter and showed signs of discomfort, indicating that rat responses to tickling are more honest compared to humans. Mindy summarizes the findings at [16:27]:
“And if they're not, they won't. Whereas in humans, it seems to be much more involuntary. We might laugh whether we like it or not.”
The Scientific Significance: Rats as Research Heroes [17:08 – 18:32]
The discussion shifts to the broader impact of such studies. Mindy emphasizes the invaluable role rats play in scientific research:
“Actually, Dennis, rats and other rodents have been helping scientists to solve the world's problems for over 150 years.”
Dennis adds at [17:31]:
“And because there are so many similarities between the bodies and brains of rats and of humans, well, rats have played a pretty important role in helping scientists to develop medicines and to understand the human brain and the way it behaves.”
Mindy further notes the versatility of rats in research, including their presence on the International Space Station:
“Oh, and I just thought of another thing. Even NASA has rats living aboard the International Space Station. They're working to help scientists better understand life in microgravity.”
Conclusion: Understanding Rat Emotions and Human Comparisons [18:32 – 19:46]
Wrapping up the scientific exploration, the hosts reflect on how this research enhances our understanding of rat emotions and behaviors. Mindy concludes at [18:15]:
“Okay, okay. So all of this is to say, Dennis, that this experiment is a step in helping scientists to understand when a rat is experiencing true happiness and when it's not.”
Guy Raz humorously ties back to their earlier skit:
“Yeah, why was I laughing?” “We might laugh whether we like it or not,” responds Mindy, highlighting the difference between human and rat responses to tickling.
Key Takeaways:
- Rats do emit ultrasonic giggles when tickled, indicating positive emotions.
- Not all rats enjoy being tickled, mirroring the diversity of responses seen in humans.
- Studies on rat behavior provide critical insights into neuroscience and psychology, underscoring rats' role as essential research subjects.
- Understanding rat emotions can lead to better scientific practices and deeper comprehension of mammalian brain functions.
Notable Quotes:
- Mindy Thomas [09:15]: “Exactly.”
- Guy Raz [15:10]: “Wow.”
- Dennis [17:08]: “So if they're enjoying themselves, they'll laugh.”
This episode blends humor with scientific inquiry, offering listeners both entertainment and educational insights into the intriguing world of rat behavior and their contributions to scientific advancements.