Trained Rats To Wear Backpacks With Microphones To Rescue Earthquake Survivors Buried In Debris

Rats are being trained to be sent into earthquake debris wearing tiny backpacks outfitted with microphones so that rescue teams can talk to survivors.

In a strange development, scientists are training rats to rescue people trapped during earthquakes.  I train these clever creatures to save victims trapped in collapsed buildings after earthquakes. We kit them out with a rat backpack, and train them to trigger a switch when they find a victim & come back for a tasty treat 🐀#herosnotpests#science#weirdjobs#WomenInSTEMpic.twitter.com/728IQv70NX

According to Newsweek, the innovative project is being worked on by research scientist Dr Donna Kean from Glasgow, Scotland. The rodents are being trained to be sent into earthquake debris wearing tiny backpacks outfitted with microphones so that rescue teams can talk to survivors. 

So far, around seven rats have been trained to respond to beeping sounds. At the moment, homemade prototype backpacks containing a microphone are being used, and scientists are sending the rodents into mock debris. Specialist backpacks containing microphones and video gear as well as location trackers will also be created in order to allow rescue teams to communicate with survivors during real earthquakes.