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.
![Let the software work for you! ethovision-xt-let-the-software-work-for-you](https://www.noldus.com/static/images/core-blog/software-work-for-you-dont-get-stuck-working-for-the-software.jpg)
Let the software work for you!
Why do more work than you have to? Especially now, do you really want to be stuck inside on a beautiful day scouring over your behavior tracking data to make sure there aren’t any missing samples or tracking jumps?
![The ultimate list of neuroscience lab software tools ultimate-list-neuroscience-lab-software-tools](https://www.noldus.com/static/images/core-blog/ultimate-list-neuroscience-lab-software-tools.jpg)
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 to measure behavior many-ways-measure-behavior](https://www.noldus.com/static/images/core-blog/many-ways-measure-behavior.jpg)
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.
![Why it doesn’t seem fair to prefer male mice in behavioral studies male-mice-behavioral-studies](https://www.noldus.com/static/images/core-blog/male-mice-behavioral-studies.jpg)
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.
![The use of video tracking in a HaXha test video-tracking-haxha-test](https://www.noldus.com/static/images/core-blog/video-tracking-haxha-test.jpg)
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 and the open field test ethovision-xt-open-field-test](https://www.noldus.com/static/images/core-blog/ethovision-xt-open-field-test.jpg)
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: why you should perform your tests in a home cage mice-in-the-spotlight](https://www.noldus.com/static/images/core-blog/mice-in-the-spotlight.jpg)
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.
![6 things you must consider to improve your open field testing improve-your-open-field-testing](https://www.noldus.com/static/images/core-blog/improve-your-open-field-testing.jpg)
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.
![The do’s and don’ts in behavioral testing: improve your open field test behavioral-testing-improve-your-open-field-test](https://www.noldus.com/static/images/core-blog/behavioral-testing-improve-your-open-field-test.jpg)
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?
![How Automatic Rat Behavior Recognition was developed automatic-rat-behavior-recognition](https://www.noldus.com/static/images/core-blog/automatic-rat-behavior-recognition-1571312336.jpg)
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.