Scientists Develop Tiny VR Headset for Enhanced Mouse Research

At Cornell University, a team of researchers has developed an innovative device called the ‘MouseGoggles.’ This tiny VR headset comes equipped with eye-tracking capabilities specifically designed for mice, allowing scientists to study intricate behaviors while conducting neural recordings.

Historically, small-animal VR systems have faced challenges due to their bulkiness and lack of sophisticated features like eye-tracking. However, MouseGoggles, highlighted in a recently published research paper, aims to offer deeper insights into the workings of the mouse brain, a critical model for behavioral and neurological studies.

To validate their study, the researchers recorded neural activity in the visual cortex, confirming that the visuals delivered through MouseGoggles were clear and effective. The headsets provided such immersive experiences that hippocampal recordings, reward-based learning tests, and responses to virtual looming objects depicted fear naturally among the mice.

This groundbreaking project was spearheaded by Chris Schaffer, a professor of biomedical engineering at Cornell Engineering, and Ian Ellwood, an assistant professor in neurobiology and behavior at the College of Arts and Sciences. They aim to encourage wider use of VR technology in neuroscience research.

Matthew Isaacson, a postdoctoral researcher, shared with the Cornell Chronicle, “It’s a rare opportunity when developing tools to create something that’s not only far more effective than existing technologies but also simpler and more affordable to produce. This innovation empowers neuroscience with more experimental capabilities and makes the technology more accessible, potentially reaching numerous laboratories.”

Interestingly, the MouseGoggles were constructed using cost-effective, readily available components such as smartwatch screens and small lenses, resulting in a compact VR system. The team employed accessible resources like the Godot game engine and a Raspberry Pi 4, which they configured with a split-screen display driver.

The success of MouseGoggles might pave the way for designing lightweight, self-contained headsets for larger rodents, like tree shrews and rats. Currently, MouseGoggles offer a fixed-head experience, incorporating a ball-shaped treadmill to simulate motion. Looking ahead, the researchers intend to include sensory features such as taste and smell, further enhancing the virtual reality experience.

Chris Schaffer told the Cornell Chronicle, “I believe that achieving a five-sense virtual reality environment for mice is the logical next step. This would be pivotal in experiments aimed at deciphering complex behaviors where mice are processing sensory data while weighing options against their internal needs, like hunger or rest, ultimately influencing their decision-making processes.”