scholarly journals Adaptable and Automated Rodent Behavior Maze System

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob M Olson ◽  
Christopher A Leppla ◽  
John H Bladon ◽  
Shantanu P Jadhav
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Succession ◽  
Systems Neuroscience ◽  
Rodent Behavior ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Novel Behavior

Mazes are a fundamental and widespread tool in behavior and systems neuroscience research in rodents. However, their form and inflexibility often restrict potential experimental paradigms that involve multiple or adaptive maze designs. Unique layouts often cost substantial engineering and time investments from trainee scientists. To alleviate these issues, we have developed an automated modular maze system that is flexible and scalable. This system will allow for experiments with multiple track configurations in rapid succession. Additionally, the flexibility can expedite prototyping of behaviors. Finally, the standardized componentry enhances experimental reproducibility and repeatability. This maze system presents advantages over current maze options and can facilitate novel behavior and systems neuroscience research.

scholarly journals Advances in Engineering and Application of Optogenetic Indicators for Neuroscience

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiryl D. Piatkevich ◽  
Mitchell H. Murdock ◽  
Fedor V. Subach
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Design ◽  
Optical Recording ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Spatiotemporal Resolution ◽  
Systems Neuroscience ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
The Brain

Our ability to investigate the brain is limited by available technologies that can record biological processes in vivo with suitable spatiotemporal resolution. Advances in optogenetics now enable optical recording and perturbation of central physiological processes within the intact brains of model organisms. By monitoring key signaling molecules noninvasively, we can better appreciate how information is processed and integrated within intact circuits. In this review, we describe recent efforts engineering genetically-encoded fluorescence indicators to monitor neuronal activity. We summarize recent advances of sensors for calcium, potassium, voltage, and select neurotransmitters, focusing on their molecular design, properties, and current limitations. We also highlight impressive applications of these sensors in neuroscience research. We adopt the view that advances in sensor engineering will yield enduring insights on systems neuroscience. Neuroscientists are eager to adopt suitable tools for imaging neural activity in vivo, making this a golden age for engineering optogenetic indicators.

scholarly journals Big behavior: challenges and opportunities in a new era of deep behavior profiling

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas von Ziegler ◽  
Oliver Sturman ◽  
Johannes Bohacek
Keyword(s):  
Large Datasets ◽  
Behavioral Analysis ◽  
New Era ◽  
Rodent Behavior ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Behavioral Variables ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Behavior Profiling ◽  
New Algorithms

AbstractThe assessment of rodent behavior forms a cornerstone of preclinical assessment in neuroscience research. Nonetheless, the true and almost limitless potential of behavioral analysis has been inaccessible to scientists until very recently. Now, in the age of machine vision and deep learning, it is possible to extract and quantify almost infinite numbers of behavioral variables, to break behaviors down into subcategories and even into small behavioral units, syllables or motifs. However, the rapidly growing field of behavioral neuroethology is experiencing birthing pains. The community has not yet consolidated its methods, and new algorithms transfer poorly between labs. Benchmarking experiments as well as the large, well-annotated behavior datasets required are missing. Meanwhile, big data problems have started arising and we currently lack platforms for sharing large datasets—akin to sequencing repositories in genomics. Additionally, the average behavioral research lab does not have access to the latest tools to extract and analyze behavior, as their implementation requires advanced computational skills. Even so, the field is brimming with excitement and boundless opportunity. This review aims to highlight the potential of recent developments in the field of behavioral analysis, whilst trying to guide a consensus on practical issues concerning data collection and data sharing.

Social Psychology and Noninvasive Electrical Stimulation

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo S. Boggio ◽  
Gabriel G. Rêgo ◽  
Lucas M. Marques ◽  
Thiago L. Costa
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
Social Neuroscience ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Social Pain ◽  
Substantial Evidence ◽  
Social Decision ◽  
Correlational Research ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Social Decision Making ◽  
Brain Behavior

Abstract. Social neuroscience and psychology have made substantial advances in the last few decades. Nonetheless, the field has relied mostly on behavioral, imaging, and other correlational research methods. Here we argue that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an effective and relevant technique to be used in this field of research, allowing for the establishment of more causal brain-behavior relationships than can be achieved with most of the techniques used in this field. We review relevant brain stimulation-aided research in the fields of social pain, social interaction, prejudice, and social decision-making, with a special focus on tDCS. Despite the fact that the use of tDCS in Social Neuroscience and Psychology studies is still in its early days, results are promising. As better understanding of the processes behind social cognition becomes increasingly necessary due to political, clinical, and even philosophical demands, the fact that tDCS is arguably rare in Social Neuroscience research is very noteworthy. This review aims at inspiring researchers to employ tDCS in the investigation of issues within Social Neuroscience. We present substantial evidence that tDCS is indeed an appropriate tool for this purpose.

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