Brain implants force mice to make friends

Mice are extremely social animals, but researchers have programmed them to form instant social bonds with a single beam of light. Scientists at Northwestern University designed tiny, wireless brain implant that activate single neurons to force mice to socially interact with one another in real time - and when stimulation is desynchronized, socializing stops. This was done by targeting a set of neurons in a brain region related to higher order executive function, which helps facilitate relationships, causing them to increase the frequency and duration of social interactions. The device used on the mice is smaller than a human fingertip, thin and flexible, but the breakthrough is its wireless nature that allows the mice to look normal and behave in a realistic environment. Previous research using optogenetics required fiberoptic wires, which restrained mouse movements and caused them to become entangled during social interactions or in complex environments.