A new technology developed by researchers at Cornell University allows mice to experience virtual reality (VR) in a realistic and engaging way. The innovation, called MouseGoggles, uses tiny parts from smartwatches and other devices to create a low-cost and portable VR system.
In experiments with mice, the rodents responded vividly to simulated stimuli while wearing the goggles, suggesting that the technology has potential applications for animal studies involving VR. Unlike current setups, which can be clunky and ineffective, MouseGoggles offer a more naturalistic environment for mice under controlled conditions.
The Cornell researchers built their system using existing parts, rather than designing everything from scratch, allowing them to save time and resources. They tested the system by measuring brain activity and observing behavior, finding that the mice reacted strongly to VR stimuli in most cases.
The development of MouseGoggles could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, improving research studies for potential treatments. The technology is also being expanded upon, including eye-tracking and pupil monitoring, with plans for a lightweight mobile VR setup for larger rodents and future upgrades to simulate taste and smell.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/scientists-built-tiny-vr-goggles-for-mice-2000543775