Scientists at Cornell University have developed tiny virtual reality goggles for mice, allowing researchers to study how animals behave in VR environments. The MouseGoggles use low-cost components such as smartwatch displays and tiny lenses.
The miniature goggles were used to test mice’s reactions to different stimuli, including an expanding dark blotch that appeared to be approaching them. The results showed that almost every mouse jumped when first seeing the stimulus with the goggles, indicating a strong startle reaction.
This technology has the potential to reveal how the brain deals with spatial navigation and memory, which could help scientists understand diseases like Alzheimer’s and its potential treatments. The MouseGoggles are a significant improvement over previous VR setups for mice, which were often clunky and ineffective.
The development of the goggles was made possible by repurposing commercially available components, such as smartwatch displays, to create a more immersive and effective VR headset. This approach allowed researchers to build a high-quality VR environment without breaking the bank.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/scientists-build-tiny-virtual-reality-goggles-for-mice-13281221