VR goggles for mice create immersive scenarios for brain research

Images – such as a hovering hawk – can be presented to mice without the visual clues of the lab. Photograph: Supplied

Whether exploring distant galaxies or dashing about a fantasy world, virtual reality has immersed humans in extraordinary places. Now, it seems, mice will be able to join us.

Researchers have developed a pair of virtual reality “goggles” that can plunge the rodents into various scenarios, from navigating mazes to experiencing the threat of a predator.