This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
I'm convinced I study the most adorable rat species in the world, Cricetomys gambianus, the African Giant Pouched Rat or the Gambian Rat. They are perhaps more famously known as Hero Rats because of their humanitarian work in detecting explosive devices and tuberculosis in biological samples.
These are my rats, in the lab. They are the subjects in a larger study to examining their behavioral genetics. However, the first part of the study includes Assessing the natural history and basic behavioral biology of the African giant pouched rat, Cricetomys gambianus, in Africa. I'll be traveling to Tanzania this summer do just that. I'll be announcing more details of my travels and research soon. Stay tuned.