Rodents Undergo Rubber Limb Deception: A Touch-Based Deception Experiment
Animal Study Sheds Light on Sense of Embodiment for Artificial Limbs
Here's the deal: a recent study indicates that just like us humans, mice can feel as if an artificial limb is actually a part of their body, much like in the famous rubber-hand illusion experiment. This groundbreaking research could open new avenues for exploring the intricate workings of the brain in relation to body ownership and prosthetic integration.
This study, published in the journal PLOS Biology, suggests that mice perceive their limbs as an extension of themselves, and react defensively when a threat is posed to an artificial limb after tactile and visual cues are synced.
Researchers used a 3D-printed, realistic mouse forelimb replica and hid the actual limb from view. After pairing synchronous or asynchronous brushstrokes between the real and fake limbs, they dropped a sharp object toward the artificial limb. Not surprisingly, the mice responded more when the brushstrokes were synced, and their reaction was stronger when the artificial limb resembled their own compared to a white, cube-shaped object.
This research provides a practical mouse model for studying body ownership and prosthetic integration, potentially paving the way for cutting-edge neuroprosthetics and treatments for issues like phantom limb pain or body dysmorphia.
Luc Estebanez, a researcher from CNRS: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France, led the study. He pointed out that the rubber-hand illusion has been a staple of body representation in humans, but until now, there was no equivalent test for mice. By demonstrating that mice can exhibit behavioral correlates of embodiment, this research adds to recent findings suggesting that rodents may display capabilities associated with higher cognitive functions.
In summary, this recent study has significant implications for our understanding of body ownership in both humans and mice. By using a 3D-printed artificial limb and observing the mice's reactions to threats, researchers have opened up new possibilities for studying the brain mechanisms behind body ownership and developing advanced neuroprosthetics. Stay tuned for more breakthroughs in this fascinating field!
Funding Sources:LE PRC Hermin, ANR; JCJC Mesobrain, ANR; PRC Expect, ANR; PRC PerBaCo, ANR; Fondation 3DS; 80|Prime 2020, CNRS; MITI PRIME 2024, CNRS; PRC MotorSense, ANR; RISE iNavigate, 873178, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme; OI hCODE, Université Paris-Saclay.
The funders had no role in the study's design, data collection and analysis, or decision to publish.
For further information:Embodiment of an artificial limb in mice by Luc Estebanez et al., PLOS Biology
- The study published in PLOS Biology reveals that our understanding of body ownership, particularly in relation to neuroprosthetics, could be expanded, as mice appear to perceive artificial limbs as extensions of themselves, mimicking human behavior in the rubber-hand illusion experiment.
- This breakthrough in neuroscience news, led by Luc Estebanez from CNRS: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France, suggests that mice's responses to threats towards artificial limbs could provide a practical model for studying body ownership, potentially leading to advancements in neuroprosthetics and treatments for medical-conditions like phantom limb pain or body dysmorphia.
- The findings of this research demonstrate how technology, combined with our scientific understanding of cognition and the brain, can help bridge the gap between biological limbs and neuroprosthetics, benefiting health-and-wellness for individuals dealing with various medical-conditions.
- With further research in this field, it is hoped that technology, neuroscience, and medicine can continue to work together, leading to groundbreaking advancements in neuroprosthetics and improving quality of life for individuals dealing with different health-and-wellness issues.
