News Neuroscience

Playful behavior in rats is controlled by a specific area of their brains

Studying this brain circuitry may lead to insights into human mood disorders

A gloved hand tickles a rat lying on its back

Rats are known for their playful behavior. By tickling rats and playing chase-the-hand with them, researchers zeroed in on a brain region that activates when rats play.

Natalie Gloveli

By Simon Makin

Rats are extremely playful creatures. They love playing chase, and they literally jump for joy when tickled. Central to this playfulness, a new study finds, are cells in a specific region of rats’ brains.