[Chris O'Carroll]

Competition No 4298, set by J Seery, is inspired by the scientific finding that rats can laugh. (I had not come across news of that research, but you can bet I'm going to look it up now.)

The comp rubric includes this wonderful straight-faced line: "Although the research was unable to prove rats have a sense of humour, it did indicate that they can laugh and express joy." Evidently, not all rats are equally laughter prone. Scientists have discovered that those who laugh the most prefer one another's company over the company of other rats, and that rats seem to laugh less as they get older.

The comp asks for a comedy routine (150 words or less) designed to inspire rat hilarity. The deadline is October 31.

comp@newstatesman.co.uk