The correlation was so great that scientists said they could place where in the maze the rat was dreaming it was. The discovery of similarities between human and animal dreams could enable scientists to use the rats to learn more about the human mind, Wilson said. Scientists could manipulate the rats' experiences in a way that is not permissible with people. For instance, some scientists believe people solve problems in their dreams. The theory could be tested on rats, he said.
Scientists also believe that dreams help form and reinforce long-term memories.
The MIT findings may bolster that theory. Wilson's research was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health.