On January 22nd, a study was published in the scientific journal Science Advances, one of the most important in the field. The study showed that mice are more intelligent and empathetic than previously thought. In their study, scientists discovered that these animals know how to provide first aid and can even revive a friend in trouble. 

In the experiment, experts put two mice in a cage. Then, they gave a mouse a drug to make it faint. The other one tried to revive its colleague by kicking it. When that did not work, the mouse that was awake bit the other one to try to awaken it. Then, it opened the fainted mouse’s mouth and pulled out its tongue to clear its airways and help it breathe. 

According to the article, the mice were only two months old when the experiment took place and had never seen this rescue attempt before, which means that the first aid movements are instinctive and had not been learned. 

It is not the first time that care instincts in animals have been observed. Early studies with chimpanzees, dolphins, and even elephants have shown that these animals are able to care for a fellow animal in dangerous situations. Prior research has also shown rats opening cages to let their friends escape. 

Sources: Science Advances, G1, and ScienceAlert

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