Virtual reality goggles developed for mice

These virtual reality goggles allowed for the measurement of a mouse's brain activity during a predatory bird attack.

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Virtual reality goggles developed for mice

Researchers who conduct many studies on mice have undertaken their most interesting initiative to date. A group of scientists working at Northwestern University in the US have designed special virtual reality goggles to monitor the brain activity of mice. The goggles cover the mouse's body in a somewhat unusual way.

According to the news reported by Webtekno, studies involving mice were already being conducted with the help of virtual reality technologies. However, this latest study has added a new dimension to this. The virtual reality goggles, which allow for the measurement of brain activity related to how mice protect themselves from birds of prey, help in understanding what a mouse does while under attack.

The virtual reality goggles, named Miniature Rodent Stereo Illumination VR (iMRSIV), simulate a mouse's entire environment. The only work done in this process is not just the creation of the environment. Along with the physical reactions of the mice, their brain activity during the attack was also recorded. As a result, it has been understood how the mouse brain protects itself from the attacks of birds of prey.

Dom Pinke, one of the lead authors of the study, made statements regarding their findings. Stating that the reactions mice give to attacks are not learned later, the scientist conveyed that mice have an innate instinct to protect themselves against attacks from birth. With this study, another subject regarding mice has been clarified.

The article was published in Neuron.

News Source: 12punto