Even In the Wild Mice Run In Wheels

sciencehabit (1205606) writes "Scientists have found that if they place a running wheel outside, wild animals will flock to it. The researchers observed more than 200,000 mice, rats, and even frogs using the apparatus over a three year period. The findings suggest that like (some) humans, mice and other animals may simply exercise because they like to. Figuring out why certain strains of mice are more sedentary than others could help shed light on genetic differences between more active and sedentary people."

Comments

Re:Slug

[lagomorpha2]

Slugs apprently frequent this thing (hard to call it a running wheel when's a slug).

I wish there was a video of this I could speed up 20x, loop, and add music to.

Re:The better mouse trap?

[PPH]

Centrifuge. As soon as the mouse starts running, the rotation is detected and a motor kicked on to drive the RPM up to 50 or 60K. Mouse parts get squeezed through bars on wheel.

Now pardon me while I go back to eating my breakfast.

Re:Determining Motive.

[Anonymous Coward]

If they REALLY consider it a piece of exercise equipment, then the mice will hang laundry on it after a few weeks..