Challenging a myth and misconception: red-light vision in rats


Abstract

Summary:

This paper investigates the sensitivity of rats to red light, challenging the common assumption that rats are red-light blind, and suggests that the use of red light in animal husbandry and experimentation should be reconsidered.
Categories

Categories

  • Animal Behavior: The paper explores the sensitivity of rats to red light, which has implications for their behavior and well-being in laboratory settings.
  • Animal Physiology: The study examines the physiological response of rat retinas to red light, demonstrating that rats are not red-light blind as commonly assumed.
  • Animal Husbandry: The findings challenge the common practice of using red light in rat husbandry and experimentation, suggesting that it may not be as invisible to rats as previously thought.
  • Lighting Design Considerations: The study's findings suggest that the use of red light in environments housing rats should be reconsidered, as it may not be as invisible to them as previously thought.
  • Well-being: The paper suggests that the use of red light in rat husbandry and experimentation may impact the well-being of the animals, as they are not as insensitive to it as previously assumed.
Authors

Author(s)

S Niklaus, S Albertini, TK Schnitzer, N Denk
Publication Date

Publication Year:

2020
Citations

Number of Citations:

15