In TIME, science writer Maia Szalavitz dissects a recent rat study that was reported as if it showed that junk food is "as addictive" as crack. Some rats were assigned to the equivalent of an all-expenses-paid cruise: nearly continuous access to a spectacular array of fatty delicacies including bacon and chocolate frosting. (Rats have good taste. No doubt they'd say the same about humans. We're co-evolved species and it shows.) Another group was allowed to visit the buffet only once a day. An unlucky control group subsisted on regular rat chow and water. As you might expect, the Royal Caribbean rats gorged themselves to the point of obesity.
via bigthink.com
An excellent point at the end about our social nature. That's the payoff to the story. Make sure you read to the end!
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