Although it's no longer in debate whether meditation changes our brain chemistry--Buddhist monks "in the zone" have been proven to emit different brainwaves than the rest of us ADD-addled folk--researchers are wondering if using tools changes up the wiring in our grey matter.



To put this to the test, scientists at Japan's Institute of Physical and Chemical Research have taught rodents to use rakes. After 60 days of training, the rodents (not really rats, something called a degu) were able to use a miniature rake to reach bits of food that were placed out of their ordinary reach. As the Times reports,

...it has long been thought that tool use is a hallmark of higher intelligence.... Training [animals] to use tools in captivity provides insights into the plasticity of their brains.

Our guess as to where the study's going next:



via the new york times