Richmond rats learned how to drive tiny cars and it's bringing them joy

The big picture: Lambert and her colleagues have worked with lab rats for years, teaching them how to drive and steer tiny rodent-operated vehicles by holding a gas pedal-like lever.

• Their research explores how tasks, like driving, can help relieve stress and possibly treat mental health conditions.
• The rats have repeatedly gone viral for it, appeared on Netflix's "The Hidden Lives of Pets" and most recently, ended up on CBS This Morning.
• CBS Mornings posted the rats on TikTok and Instagram last month, and the videos have been viewed by more than five million people.

The latest: Now researchers are finding that not only do the rats enjoy driving to get to their Froot Loop treats — they look forward to it.

• And having something to look forward to actually makes them more optimistic and more confident when solving problems.

Zoom in: One way they seemingly show this joy is by jumping into their vehicle, which Lambert calls "a rodent version of Tesla's Cybertruck," and pulling on the lever to "rev" the electric motor.

• Two of the three rats have also chosen to take the car instead of scurrying straight to the Froot Loops even though road tripping to their destination would take longer.

The bottom line: Let the tiny little rats driving tiny little cars inspire you to have something to look forward to, too.