Rats are being trained to be sent into earthquake debris wearing tiny backpacks - so rescue teams can talk to survivors. The innovative project is being worked on by research scientist Dr Donna Kean, 33, from Glasgow.
So far seven rats have been trained, taking only two weeks to get them up to speed. At the moment homemade prototype backpacks containing a microphone are being used, and scientists are sending them into mock debris.
Specialist backpacks containing microphones and video gear as well as location trackers will be created to allow rescue teams to communicate with survivors during real earthquakes. Donna has been based in Morogoro, Tanzania, East Africa, for one year, working with non-profit organisation APOPO for a project named Hero Rats.
