Rats are being trained to save people trapped during earthquakes.
Rats are being trained to save earthquake survivors
A group of "hero" rodents are being instructed to enter quake zones with location trackers in order to find survivors. The rats are equipped with small backpacks as well as microphones so victims can communicate with rescue workers.
Dr. Donna Kean has been leading the project and the animals are set to be sent to Turkey in order to be used in the field as the country is prone to earthquakes.
The Glasgow-based scientist said: "Rats would be able to get into small spaces to get to victims buried in rubble. We have not been in a real situation yet, we have got a mock debris site.
"When we get the new backpacks we will be able to hear from where we are based and where the rat is, inside the debris. We have the potential to speak to victims through the rat.
"They can live off anything. They are very good at surviving in different environments which just shows how suitable they are for search and rescue work."