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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Behavioral Training Procedures for Head-fixed Virtual Reality in Mice
Published on: September 6, 2024
A virtual burrow assay for head-fixed mice measures habituation, discrimination, exploration and avoidance without
Andrew Jp Fink1, Richard Axel1, Carl E Schoonover1
1Department of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, United States.
Abstract:
We have designed an assay that measures approach and avoidance behaviors in head-fixed mice at millisecond timescale, is compatible with standard electrophysiological and optical methods for measuring neuronal activity, and requires no training. The Virtual Burrow Assay simulates a scenario in which a mouse, poised at the threshold of its burrow, evaluates whether to exit the enclosure or to retreat inside. The assay provides a sensitive readout of habituation, discrimination and exploration, as well as avoidance of both conditioned and innately aversive cues.
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