I know that this is a totally legitimate idea, using rats to detect people trapped underground, and monitoring their brainwaves to find survivors, but what first came to mind would make a good bit for the Simpsons:
SCENE: A building has collapsed, and someone is trapped in the rubble. The police and the special detection unit arrive on the spot, along with Proffessor Frink
Chief Wiggum: Don't worry everyone, Proffessor Frink has been working with us to develop this new technology to find trapped people.
Frink: Looking at a bunch of monitors set up on a table. Yes, ahhhh, it appears that everything is in operation, we can begin the test.
Wiggum: Okay boys, release the rats!
SCENE: A dog-catcher like van is opened and hundreds of rats wearing antenna beanies pour out. They dive into the rubble.
Frink: Looking at an oscilliscope output. Okay the transceivers are working and we're getting a strong signal. It looks like the rats have detected something living!
Wiggum: What is it?
Frink: Too soon to tell. Okay, now they're homing in on whatever it is, and they seem to be getting happy and excited. Hmmm. Now there's a whole bunch of squeaking and thrashing around. Ahhh. They seem to have found something to eat. Okay, now they're gorged and they're scouring the wreckage again. Nope. Nothing. Okay it doesn't look like there's anyone trapped down there.
Wiggum: Okay boys, recall the rats, and lets go home. Good job Frink, and don't be discouraged, one of these days we'll find someone.
SCENE: A building has collapsed, and someone is trapped in the rubble. The police and the special detection unit arrive on the spot, along with Proffessor Frink
Chief Wiggum: Don't worry everyone, Proffessor Frink has been working with us to develop this new technology to find trapped people.
Frink: Looking at a bunch of monitors set up on a table. Yes, ahhhh, it appears that everything is in operation, we can begin the test.
Wiggum: Okay boys, release the rats!
SCENE: A dog-catcher like van is opened and hundreds of rats wearing antenna beanies pour out. They dive into the rubble.
Frink: Looking at an oscilliscope output. Okay the transceivers are working and we're getting a strong signal. It looks like the rats have detected something living!
Wiggum: What is it?
Frink: Too soon to tell. Okay, now they're homing in on whatever it is, and they seem to be getting happy and excited. Hmmm. Now there's a whole bunch of squeaking and thrashing around. Ahhh. They seem to have found something to eat. Okay, now they're gorged and they're scouring the wreckage again. Nope. Nothing. Okay it doesn't look like there's anyone trapped down there.
Wiggum: Okay boys, recall the rats, and lets go home. Good job Frink, and don't be discouraged, one of these days we'll find someone.