Cornell University is shaking up the world of neuroscience with their latest innovation, ‘MouseGoggles.’ This cutting-edge VR headset, tailored for mice, incorporates eye-tracking technology, offering a fresh way to explore complex behaviors alongside neural recordings.
Previously, VR systems designed for small animals faced limitations due to their bulky size, lack of immersive experience, and absence of advanced features like eye-tracking. However, MouseGoggles, detailed in a paper recently released by Cornell researchers, aims to change the game. Their goal: to delve deeper into the intricacies of the mouse brain, which remains a cornerstone model in behavioral and neurological studies.
The team validated their research by capturing neural activity within the visual cortex, confirming the clarity and effectiveness of the presented images. Not only did MouseGoggles provide a clear picture, but they also delivered a truly immersive experience. This was evidenced by hippocampal recordings, as well as tests that involved reward-based learning and reactions to virtual threats.
Under the leadership of Chris Schaffer, a professor in biomedical engineering at Cornell Engineering, and Ian Ellwood, an assistant professor in neurobiology and behavior, the researchers are enthusiastic about promoting the use of VR in neuroscience research. Schaffer, summarizing the sentiment within the team, explained, “Creating a tool that surpasses current technology in both experimental power and simplicity is rare. It opens up new experimental avenues and makes the technology more accessible to various labs.”
MouseGoggles were ingeniously crafted using readily available and affordable components, such as smartwatch displays and miniature lenses, achieving a surprisingly compact system. The project utilized tools familiar to many, like the Godot game engine and a Raspberry Pi 4, modified with a split-screen display driver to enhance functionality.
Looking ahead, the team envisions sparking interest in developing lightweight, stand-alone VR headsets for larger rodents like tree shrews and rats. While MouseGoggles presently offers a stationary experience using a ball-shaped treadmill to simulate movement, there are dreams of integrating sensory enhancements like taste and scent to elevate the virtual experience.
Chris Schaffer, reflecting on the potential future impacts, shared his vision with the Cornell Chronicle, saying, “Full-sensory virtual reality could revolutionize our experiments on intricate behaviors. By allowing mice to merge different sensations and balance internal motivations, we’ll gain unparalleled insights into their decision-making processes.”
