Corrigendum: An accumulation-of-evidence task using visual pulses for mice navigating in virtual reality

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Animal Behavior
• Behavioral Ecology

Context:

• Standard laboratory housing conditions can impact animal behavior and neurobiological outcomes.
• Understanding the effects of environmental enrichment is crucial for improving animal welfare.
• Reproducibility in animal research is influenced by environmental factors.

Purpose:

• To investigate the effects of environmental enrichment on the behavior and neurobiology of laboratory rodents.
• To assess changes in neural plasticity, cognitive function, and stress responses.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for optimizing housing conditions in research settings.

Summary:

• Environmental enrichment significantly altered behavioral patterns, including increased exploration and reduced stereotypies.
• Enriched environments promoted neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in key brain regions associated with learning and memory.
• Cortisol levels were reduced in enriched animals, indicating a decrease in chronic stress.

Impact:

• The findings underscore the critical role of environmental enrichment in promoting animal welfare and reducing stress in laboratory settings.
• Optimized housing conditions can enhance the validity and reproducibility of preclinical research.
• This study provides a foundation for developing improved standards for animal care in research facilities.