Tiny VR Goggles for Mice

Researchers at Cornell University have created an innovative tool for studying animal behavior: tiny virtual reality goggles for mice. These miniature headsets, called MouseGoggles, were built using affordable, readily available components such as smartwatch displays and small lenses. The goal is to better understand how mice respond to different stimuli in a virtual environment.

One particularly effective test involved simulating an approaching predator. When shown an expanding dark blotch through the goggles, mice exhibited a strong startle reaction, jumping as if they were being attacked. This response was much more pronounced compared to previous experiments using large screens.

The development of these VR goggles represents a significant improvement over earlier, more cumbersome setups. Scientists believe this technology could provide valuable insights into spatial navigation and memory processes in the brain, potentially aiding research into diseases like Alzheimer's and their treatments.