| The next time you get cut off in traffic, think twice before honking — the other driver could be none other than a tiny rat. Well, not really, but scientists have trained them to drive cars — and if the adorable videos are any indication, the rodents seem to love it. The pint-sized vehicles aren't Fords or Hondas but rather custom-made cars made of plastic cereal containers and small wires. Though the rats were originally motivated to get behind the wheel by the promise of Froot Loops, scientists were surprised (and, one assumes, delighted) to discover the creatures loved going for joy rides. This was confirmed when two of three rats at Virginia's University of Richmond chose the scenic route rather than driving directly toward their precious Froot Loops. "Rather than pushing buttons for instant rewards, they remind us that planning, anticipating and enjoying the ride may be key to a healthy brain," wrote Kelly Lambert, a professor of behavioral neuroscience who took part in the research, in a reflection on the study for the BBC. "That's a lesson my lab rats have taught me well." It's a welcome reminder that sometimes it really is about the journey, not the destination. | 
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