Researchers at Northwestern University made VR goggles for mice to see how they react to being grabbed by an animal. The device creates a copy of their natural environment so that they can get lab mice to respond naturally. So, the experts can look at how it reacts to risks like eagles flying overhead.
Virtual reality lets us pretend to be in places that would be too hard or dangerous to actually be in. That is why it is a great research tool that lets scientists get answers close to real life. Because of this, VR could help us learn more about many science areas. The VR glasses for mice can help us learn more about ourselves and these little animals.
This piece will talk about how VR goggles for mice can help scientists. I will talk about some other new uses of virtual reality technology later.
Northwestern University scientists made a miniature set of VR goggles called Miniature Rodent Stereo Illumination VR (iMRSIV). However, it doesn’t rest on a mouse’s head.
Instead, the researchers put it in front of a mouse to cover its entire field of view as it runs on a treadmill. As a result, it simulates the animal’s natural habitat, giving experts with realistic responses.
The Independent says many research projects have used VR devices to study mice. However, they still “seemed fake” to the animals. Daniel Dombeck, a professor of neuroscience at Northwestern University, explained:
To circle an animal so far, labs have used big computers or projection screens. For humans, this is like watching a TV in your living room: you still see your couch and your walls; there are cues around you, showing you that you aren’t inside the scene.”
To learn more about how mice think, scientists make VR glasses for them.
Researchers at Northwestern University made VR goggles for mice to see how they respond to being grabbed by an animal. The device makes a copy of their natural environment so that they can get lab mice to respond naturally. So, the experts can look at how it responds to risks like eagles flying overhead.
Virtual reality lets us pretend to be in places that would be too hard or dangerous to actually be in. That is why it is a great study tool that lets scientists get answers close to real life. Because of this, VR could help us learn more about many science areas. The VR glasses for mice can help us learn more about ourselves and these little animals.
This piece will cover how VR goggles for mice help researchers. I will talk about some other new uses of virtual reality technology later.
Northwestern University scientists made a tiny set of VR goggles called tiny Rodent Stereo Illumination VR (iMRSIV). However, it doesn’t rest on a mouse’s head.
Instead, the researchers put it in front of a mouse to cover its entire field of view as it runs on a treadmill. As a result, it mimics the animal’s natural habitat, giving experts with realistic responses.
The Independent says many research projects have used VR gear to study mice. However, they still “seemed fake” to the animals. Daniel Dombeck, a professor of neuroscience at Northwestern University, explained:
