Every year on April 4th, since 2003, we celebrate International Rat Day. Did you know that at SFU, not only scientists, but also rats participate in research activities? They are involved in important projects and research that help make the world a better place. But how do they live in their free time?

In the vivarium (a room for keeping experimental animals) of the Scientific Research Center of Neurotechnologies of the Southern Federal University, about 40 rats are working for the benefit of science, 10 of them are now actively participating in experiments!

Experiments

Since the patterns of brain function in animals and humans are similar, with the help of rats it is possible to diagnose diseases to which people are susceptible. All studies of brain activity and sleep-wake cycles are carried out on them. Thanks to them, scientists can trace the influence of a wide variety of stress factors, which means getting closer to understanding the functioning of the brain and making a contribution to the treatment of socially significant diseases.

“We use rats in studies of bioelectrical activity in the brain. Specifically, I am currently studying the influence of brain thermoregulation on the occurrence of the paradoxical phase of sleep,” noted Daria Kuchma, a research assistant at the Scientific Research Center of Neurotechnologies of the Southern Federal University .

Care and nutrition

The animals are looked after by a full-time veterinarian, so they are always provided with proper care. Junior researcher at the Scientific Research Center for Neurotechnology of the Southern Federal University, veterinarian Elena Trofimenko says that she changes special bedding for them every day and feeds them with a mixture that contains a balanced amount of protein, calcium and salt. By the way, unlike other animals, rats need to consume more salt – about 1 gram per day. In addition, laboratory staff adhere to humane treatment.

“Our main principle is to prevent suffering,” added Elena Trofimenko .

Top 5 facts about rats

• Rats remain in the service of scientists for up to a year, most often in adulthood, when their body is already fully formed, but there may be changes depending on the purposes of the research.
• They order little researchers from the Novosibirsk Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS.
• They are fed cookies for good work.
• Rats are a fairly convenient research subject. They are small in size, there are many of them, they are smart, have a good sense of smell, are tame and are well trained.
• Gray rats are less aggressive, making them suitable for laboratory work.

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