Scientists create virtual reality goggles for mice [Video]

By Dean Murray

Scientists have created virtual reality goggles – for mice.

Cornell University researchers built the tiny eyepieces – called MouseGoggles – to study the clever critters’ neural activity when responding to what they see.

It is hoped studies will give new insights into disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and its potential treatments.

Cornell University said: “Thanks to their genetic makeup, their ability to navigate mazes and their willingness to work for cheese, mice have long been a go-to model for behavioral and neurological studies.”

The MouseGoggles were created using low-cost, off-the-shelf components, such as smartwatch displays and tiny lenses.

They are designed to offer visual stimulation over a wide field of view while tracking the mouse’s eye movements and changes in pupil size.

Cornell say the technology has the potential to help reveal the neural activity that informs spatial navigation and memory function, which can inform human treatments.

Previous technology saw cumbersome – and costly – projector screens for mice to navigate …