Virtual Reality (VR) can be used for mice to investigate brain functions during decision making. The JetBall-Dome is a worldwide unique product with a Dome for mirror projection of a virtual environment and a spherical treadmill with optional operant devices. The JetBall, an air-cushioned spherical treadmill allows a restrained animal to navigate in a virtual environment. The animal can be examined with electrophysiological, imaging and optogenetic methods while it performs behavioural tasks employing navigation, cognition, learning and memory.
Examples of neural dynamics during navigation and decision making in, e.g., a Corridor or T-Maze:
“Our experiments provide, to the best of our knowledge, the first direct intracellular recordings of membrane potential in MEC neurons of navigating mice. By measuring subthreshold membrane potential, these recordings reveal how synaptic input interacts with the intrinsic properties of stellate cells to drive grid-like firing during spatial navigation.”
Schmidt-Hieber C. & Häuser M. 2013. Cellular mechanisms of spatial navigation in the medial entorhinal cortex. Nat Neurosci. 16, 3: 325-331
We thank Dr. Christoph Schmidt-Hieber for supporting the development of our dome sphere that is based on his original designs.
Power | |
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Power input voltage | 100-240 V AC |
Power consumption | 920 W (maximal) |
Dome sphere | |
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Diameter | 120 cm |
JetBall Spherical Treadmill with Stand, 20cm for Mice | |
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Ball Holder material | Aluminium |
Ball diameter | 20 cm |
Ball material | Polystyrene |
Projector | |
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Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
Light output | 4000 ANSI Lumen |
Contrast ratio | 10000:1 |
Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
XY-Motion-Sensor | |
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Resolution | 200-5700 dpi |
Max. speed | Up to 4.19 m/s |
Liquid Reward System | |
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Peristaltic pump, typical flow rate | 0.45 ml/min |
Lick sensor, material (outer cover) | Polyvinyl chloride |
Movable Rack | |
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Width | 59.5 cm |
Depth | 62.0 cm |
Height (without control monitor) | 98.5 cm |
Category | Option | Description | In Basic Package included |
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JetBall Basic Package |
| 120cm dome with stand, projector, spherical mirror, spherical treadmill with stand (Ball Holder, two balls), Dual XY-Motion Sensor, movable rack, computer (pre-installed: PhenoSoft Control, PhenoSoft Schedule, PhenoSoft VR, Virtual Corridor 2 m), control monitor, keyboard, computer mouse, power supply unit, pressure regulator system | |
Top cut-out |
| Cut-out in the dome to provide better vertical access to the animal position. Suitable e.g. for 2P-microscopy integration | |
Virtual Mazes |
| Each maze is available with mode for free or linear run. | |
Ball Holder |
| Basic package includes one Ball Holder. | |
Extra Ball Holder |
| For training. | |
Ball |
| Basic package includes two balls. | |
Extra Ball |
| | |
Positive Reward |
| Retractable: position is adjustable, servo-driven. | |
Negative Reward |
| Frontally directed tube; moved with retractable reward system. | |
Whisker Stimulation |
| Air flow when animal approaches virtual walls. | |
Brakes |
| To stop the spherical treadmill, e.g., at the end of a virtual corridor or after a wrong decision in a Y-maze. | |
Acoustic |
| E.g. to use a sound as a landmark. | |
Odour |
| E.g. to combine an odour with a virtual landmark. | |
Body fixation |
| For optogenetics, imaging or electrophysiology. | |