Mice Demonstrate Sense of Ownership Over Artificial Limbs: Advancing Neuroprosthetic Technology

Recent research has revealed that mice can develop a sense of embodiment of artificial limbs, similar to the rubber-hand illusion observed in humans. The study, published in PLOS Biology, was led by Luc Estebanez of the CNRS in France. The team adapted the classic rubber-hand illusion paradigm to animal models by presenting head-fixed mice with a 3D-printed replica of their right forelimb placed in a plausible anatomical position. During the experiment, the researchers synchronized tactile stimulation of the real and the artificial limb using mechanical brush strokes. When strokes were delivered simultaneously, the mice exhibited behaviors indicating they recognized the artificial limb as their own, such as focusing their gaze on a threatening object approaching the artificial limb, especially during synchronous stimulation. Conversely, asynchronous stimulation did not trigger this response.

The significance of this study lies in its potential to deepen understanding of the physiological basis of limb embodiment, a phenomenon previously limited to human studies. By establishing an animal model, especially in mice, researchers can now explore the brain circuits involved in body ownership using advanced genetic and optogenetic tools. This could pave the way for developing improved neuroprostheses that integrate seamlessly with the user's body, reducing phantom limb pain and increasing prosthetic use.

The findings suggest that rodents are capable of displaying behavioral correlates of embodiment, indicating that higher cognitive processes related to body perception are present in these animals. The ability to reliably induce and measure limb ownership in mice offers a promising platform for future research aimed at enhancing prosthetic technologies and restoring body representation after brain injuries or limb loss.

Overall, this groundbreaking work opens new avenues for studying the neural underpinnings of body ownership and has considerable implications for the development of more intuitive and integrated neuroprosthetic devices.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-mice-artificial-limb-embodiment-neuroprostheses.html