There are traditionally very few ways in which we resemble a rat, but the fact that rats experience regret, an emotion previously thought to be human, has suddenly made us much more comparable.
A study was recently conducted that gave rats various activities to carry out, including waiting patiently, in order to get a fruit flavored treat. Each of the rats appeared to have a favorite flavor, and when they were too hasty and left before they got that particular treat, scientists were able to identify signs of regret in both their brain functioning, and in their behavior. But even more interesting, is that after their missed opportunity, the rats learned from their regret, and waited even longer than necessary to get their treat the next time around. READ MORE