Scientists Develop Miniature VR Headset for Enhanced Mouse Research

At Cornell University, an innovative team of researchers has unveiled a groundbreaking development in the form of ‘MouseGoggles,’ a tiny VR headset designed specifically for mice. Equipped with advanced eye-tracking technology, this device allows scientists to delve into complex behaviors while recording neural activity.

Historically, VR systems tailored for small animals faced challenges, including limited immersivity and a lack of sophisticated features like eye-tracking. With the advent of MouseGoggles, detailed in a recent scholarly paper, Cornell scientists are seeking to deepen their understanding of the mouse brain. Mice have long been the go-to models for dissecting behavioral and neurological phenomena.

The team validated their findings by capturing neural signals within the visual cortex, confirming that the visuals presented via the headset were both clear and impactful. The immersive nature of the VR experience was further evidenced through hippocampal recordings, rewards-based learning experiments, and reactions to virtual intimidating objects.

Steering the project are Chris Schaffer, a professor of biomedical engineering within Cornell Engineering, and Ian Ellwood, an assistant professor specializing in neurobiology and behavior at the College of Arts and Sciences. Their ultimate vision is to promote the broader use of VR technologies in neuroscience.

“It’s quite exceptional when creating tools that not only surpass existing tech in experimental capability but are also simpler and more economical to construct,” said postdoctoral researcher Matthew Isaacson, speaking with the Cornell Chronicle. “This advancement significantly empowers neuroscience experiments, while making the technology accessible to numerous laboratories.”

Remarkably, MouseGoggles are assembled using budget-friendly, readily available components, such as smartwatch screens and miniature lenses, crafted into a compact system. The VR setup also utilizes prevalent resources like the Godot game engine paired with a Raspberry Pi 4, which has been modified to support a split-screen display.

The implications of this project are profound, potentially spurring the development of lightweight, self-contained VR devices for larger rodents, including tree shrews and rats. Currently, MouseGoggles provide a stationary experience, using a ball-shaped treadmill to simulate motion. Looking ahead, researchers aim to incorporate sensory enhancements, including taste and smell, to further enrich the VR environment.

Schaffer elaborated to the Cornell Chronicle, “I envision five-sense virtual reality for mice as a future pathway for experiments trying to unravel intricate behaviors. It’s about understanding how mice process sensory inputs and weigh decisions against internal drives like the urge for nourishment or rest.”