Research methods

Analyzing the behavior of animals can be difficult, since there is sometimes not a consensus on the proper techniques. Having an understanding on how certain methods and environmental factors can influence research outcomes is key to better understand results.

ultimate-list-neuroscience-lab-software-tools

The ultimate list of neuroscience lab software tools

Are you interested in starting a new lab, or perhaps in updating your current lab to its maximum potential? If so, this list of ultimate neuroscience software tools is the place to begin.
many-ways-measure-behavior

Many ways to measure behavior

So what kind of behavior can you measure? We haven't had time to follow all five behavior research tracks but here are a few highlights of the first conference day.
male-mice-behavioral-studies

Why it doesn’t seem fair to prefer male mice in behavioral studies

Is it justified to use male mice only in behavioral studies, as many diseases affect men and women differently? This might be the most important argument to favor including female mice in certain studies.
video-tracking-haxha-test

The use of video tracking in a HaXha test

When you get used to something, after a while you might not notice it anymore. Like a sent. The lab of Justus Verhagen investigated sniffing behavior with video tracking.
ethovision-xt-open-field-test

EthoVision XT and the open field test

Imagine you are dropped in the center of a wide open field. Would you explore the entire area? Or hunker down around the edges, fearing predators and other unknowns?
mice-in-the-spotlight

Mice in the spotlight: why you should perform your tests in a home cage

Mouse models are essential for neuroscience research. Many tests are susceptible to bias. Home cage testing provides a number of solutions.
improve-your-open-field-testing

6 things you must consider to improve your open field testing

Here are six recommendations the authors list to improve the translational and predictive value of behavioral readouts.
behavioral-testing-improve-your-open-field-test

The do’s and don’ts in behavioral testing: improve your open field test

Scientists have been performing open field tests for quite some time now. Over the years it has become one of the most popular tests in rodent behavioral research. So what’s not to love?
automatic-rat-behavior-recognition

How Automatic Rat Behavior Recognition was developed

If you are familiar with neurobehavioral research in any way, you will know that variables like velocity and distance moved are important parameters in a lot of animal behavioral experiments.
circadian-rhythmicity-behavioral-studies

Circadian rhythmicity and other behavioral studies

Many labs use video tracking software to increase the efficiency of their research. In fact, EthoVision XT video tracking software has just reached an impressive milestone: 2000 sites worldwide.