Mice’s Facial Expressions

Joy, disgust, fear – the facial expressions that reflect these emotions are the same for all people. For example, when we are disgusted, our eyes narrow, our noses curl up and our upper lip twists asymmetrically.

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology have now found that mice also have different emotional facial expressions. Their face looks very different when they taste something sweet or something bitter, or when they are anxious. A computer algorithm was even able to measure the relative strength of emotions.

“Mice that licked a sugar solution showed much happier facial expressions when they were hungry than when they were full,” explains Nadine Gogolla, who led the study. The researchers want to use mouse facial expressions to investigate how emotions arise in the brain.

Frequently Asked Question

Does a mouse have feelings?

Mice show emotions like joy and fear. Using a computer program, scientists were able to read five different emotions from the faces of mice. These findings could also be relevant to research into depression and anxiety disorders in humans.

Can mice think?

Mice think in a surprisingly similar way to humans: they also use “drawers” to organize and categorize information. This is shown by a current study by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology. In doing so, the scientists tracked down the neural bases of abstract thinking.

Are mice smart?

Mice are quick, smart, and have amazing physical abilities. They run up vertical house walls, jump up to 50 cm and take every opportunity to gain entry into your home.

Do mice have memories?

It turned out that the location of the short-term memory is strongly dependent on the mouse itself. In tasks like this, each mouse uses a different behavioral strategy to arrive at a solution. Some choose an active strategy, moving themselves and their vibrissae when perceiving.

Can mice laugh?

There are numerous photos like this one, of laughing or sad animals. A real smile or a happy snap? Researchers have now been able to identify and create five different facial expressions in mice. A new study has shown that a mouse’s emotions can be read on its face.

What is the mouse’s favorite?

Grains and seeds make up the bulk of the mice’s diet. Fresh food, such as fruit and vegetables or fresh twigs, have different preferences for mice. Compared to other small animals, the need is small. Additionally, mice need a proportion of animal proteins to stay healthy and alert.

How well can a mouse see?

Despite their bulging eyes, mice can’t see very well, but they have very keen hearing and a super sense of smell. Fragrances, in particular, excreted with urine, play a major role in the life of rodents. In this way, veritable roads can be marked with perfume, which shows fellow animals the way to the food source.

Can mice see in the dark?

This cell in the retina of a mouse becomes an all-rounder in the dark, detecting even weak movement signals. Animals must adapt their eyes to the dark to cope in a variety of situations, whether they’re spotting prey or escaping predators.

When do mice sleep?

Mice prefer to leave their nest at night and dusk. With constant lighting, they are active during the quietest period. If mice are also active and visible during the day, the infestation is usually extremely severe.

What does it mean when mice squeak?

Noises such as chattering, and rattling indicate a serious respiratory disease – the mouse must be taken to a mouse-expert vet immediately. Loud squeaking or squeaking is a sign of panic or fear, such sounds can usually be heard when the animals are being played with too wildly.