From the New York Times’ Evening Briefing:
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![]() Shimpei Ishiyama & Michael Brech |
9. Finally, rats are ticklish. That’s what some accomplished researchers have determined. |
The rats really seemed to like it. They sought out the researchers’ hands, made joyful leaps and emitted some ultrasonic calls considered to be their equivalent of laughter. |
The purpose was actually quite serious: to learn why we evolved to be ticklish. It may be a “trick of the brain to make animals or humans play or interact in a fun way,” said one researcher. |