Prime Highlights:
Scientists have designed a state-of-the art virtual reality for the study of brain activity using mice, advancing neurodegenerative diseases study such as in Alzheimer’s diseases.
The mouse gogglers provide a more immersive and controlled environment than the classical rodent mazes, thus increasing the precision of studies on brain activity.
It uses off-the-shelf optical lenses, but it comprises a system of smartwatches. The system also supports mice to sense VR and keep records of brain activities, especially in the visual cortex and the hippocampus region.
Key Background:
Recently, scientists at Cornell University invented “MouseGoggles,” a VR system to help study brain activity in mice, which is intended to enhance neurodegenerative disease research and, more so, Alzheimer’s. Unlike classic rodent mazes used previously to investigate the behavior and neurology of creatures, MouseGoggles provide more immersive and controlled environments for responses in the brain.
Chris Schaffer’s research group is especially dedicated to the identification of molecular and cellular bases for neurological diseases, and their pioneering work on the development of MouseGoggles was initiated ten years ago, scientists began to use projector systems in exposing mice to virtual environments; however, in these experimental arrangements, they used to face problems such as noises and lights. This disturbed correct data collection; therefore, for the optimal answer, they brought about the notion of creating more naturalistic virtual experience for the subjects.
The postdoctoral researcher, Matthew Isaacson, assisted in the design of MouseGoggles by using standard smartwatch displays and optical lenses. The goggles were attached in a stationary position to avoid miniaturizing the headset into a wearable form, but the mouse walked on a treadmill. In this way, scientists could monitor the brain activity of the animal while it navigated the VR world. The system correctly recorded activity in the visual cortex and hippocampus, thus establishing the sharpness of the images projected onto the mouse’s retina and the recognition of the animal to its virtual surroundings.
The group incorporated cameras on the goggles that could then monitor the responses of the mouse pupil for its upgrade. The feature, suggested during peer review, might even have great consequences for neuroscience studies. It distinguishes MouseGoggles from its peers. These stationary goggles open avenues for further development of, say a mobile version for the larger rodents like rats, and incorporation of extra senses such as the taste and smell to make it much more immersive, and they will significantly improve our understanding of brain functions and neurodegenerative diseases.