038. Blue Cats: The Bizarre Traffic Experiment

A 1970s interdisciplinary study painted domestic cats bright blue to test whether increased visual salience could improve urban safety. Researchers applied a non‑toxic dye, tracked the felines with radio collars, and recorded driver reactions. The experiment showed a modest rise in driver attention but also unintended hazards, sparking ethical debate and influencing modern wildlife‑visibility methods. The story highlights the limits of creative, cross‑field research and the importance of rigorous ethical oversight.

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