Tiny VR Headsets Offer Mice More Immersive Virtual Reality Experience [Video]

Tiny VR Headsets Give Mice a Whole New World

Cornell Researchers Develop Immersive Virtual Reality for Mice, Opening Doors to New Discoveries in Brain Function

Imagine a world where mice can explore virtual landscapes, react to simulated predators, and even learn to navigate complex environments – all while scientists observe their brain activity in real-time. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the reality being created by researchers at Cornell University with the development of “immersive virtual reality headset for mouse neuroscience and behavior”>MouseGoggles,” tiny virtual reality headsets designed specifically for mice.

These miniature VR systems, far more immersive than customary projection-based setups, are revolutionizing the way scientists study animal behavior and brain function. Unlike bulky human VR headsets, MouseGoggles are mounted on a scaffold, featuring two smartwatch displays behind Fresnel lenses. the system also tracks the animals’ eye movements and pupil dilation, providing valuable insights into their responses.

“When we tried this kind of a test in the typical VR setup with …