Young Vermin in Love

Rats!

So, it turns out that my Alma Mater is spending the money that I'm not paying Sallie Mae this month by conducting fascinating research that I'm glad I'm not paying for!

Male Mice Sing When Females Near
Scientists have known for decades that male lab mice produce high-frequency sounds - undetectable by human ears - when they pick up the scent of a female mouse. This high-pitched babble is presumably for courtship, although scientists are not certain.

But it turns out those sounds are more complex and interesting than previously thought.

...the mice sounds met two key criteria for song - distinct syllables and recurring themes, "like the melodic hook in a catchy tune."

So....for all y'all that think musicals are stupid because "nobody just bursts out into song," here's proof that even rodents can have Moulin Rouge moments, too!

*sigh*

Still, lab rats acting like smitten-kittens brings me no joy. Poor l'il critters can't have much to hope for, after all.

They may be in love -- but they're still lab rats.

Talk about Lookin' for love in all the wrong places...