Rats trained to dig into earthquake rubble to help rescue victims while armed with mini backpacks and microphones

RATS have been taught to burrow into earthquake rubble with tiny microphones — so rescue teams can talk to survivors. Their trainers say the “sociable” rodents — armed with a little backpack — can help save lives. Rats have been trained to burrow into earthquake rubble to help rescue victims SWNSThe ‘sociable’ rats are fitted with microphones to enable rescuers to speak to people trapped following quakes[/caption] Seven have so far been trained, taking only two weeks to get them up to speed. Research scientist Dr Donna Kean, 33, from Glasgow, came up with the idea. She said: “Rats would be able to get into small spaces to get to victims buried in rubble. They’re so agile.” They respond to a beep, bringing them back to base. READ MORE WORLD NEWS CALI QUAKE California hit by 4.1 magnitude earthquake followed by SIX other tremors QUAKE SHOCK Massive 6.7 magnitude earthquake hits near NZ and Oz prompting Tsunami fears Video and location trackers are also being developed for the rats who will work in quake-prone Turkey. More are being trained to detect land mines and smell disease in livestock. Dr Kean said: “There is a misconception they are dirty. They are sociable.” Most read in News TRAIN TRAGEDY Four killed & several seriously injured after train crashes in Germany HEN HELL Bride-to-be repeatedly stabbed on hen-do while wearing inflatable penis costume MAN DOWN Five soldiers collapse outside St Paul's - as Royal fans all react the same way 100 DAYS OF HELL Putin's disastrous Ukraine invasion 'biggest modern military catastrophe' JONG TO REIGN OVER US North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un sends congratulations to the Queen BEAST BATTERED Evil killer Aaron Campbell rushed to hospital after being battered in jail