The Curious History of the Lab Rat

For nearly 200 years, rats have been central to scientific research, though they are now surpassed by mice. Rats, particularly the Norwegian brown rat, were initially used due to their rapid growth and ease of breeding. Albino rats became popular in labs, leading to the development of standardized strains like the Worcester rat. Despite the rise of lab mice, rats remain crucial for research, especially in studying complex brain functions and diseases. Their genetic similarity to humans makes them valuable for cancer and neurological research.

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