Animal Behavior Research Blog Posts

The open field test: A staple in behavioral batteries

The open field test is a locomotor, exploratory and/or anxiety test. Can we measure all these behaviors in a simple enclosed arena? This is exactly what we talk about in this blog, and the discussion surrounding this.

Scientific collaboration at its best: Home cage monitoring reviewed

The latest insights and views on home cage monitoring was reviewed by Grieco et al. A collaborative paper with an expert team on home cage behavior was published last week. This blog touches upon their findings!

A critical view on the Forced swim test

The forced swim test (FST), a staple in depression research, has been under discussion for a while. What is the FST? How is it used? And why is it under discussion? Here we share our view on this topic

Sunshine and romance: ultraviolet light enhances sexual behavior

Ultraviolet B rays in sunshine enhances our romantic passion. How this actually works is still largely unknown. Research at the Tel Aviv University provides new insights.

What is DanioVision? A brief insight in zebrafish tracking

In this blog we provide a quick refresh on the topic of zebrafish, and how DanioVision contributes to this field.

Altruism in rats, suspiciously human

A recent study by Bartal et al drove our curiousity to write this blog about altruistic behavior in rats. This study shows how this type of behavior is neurally linkend to the social functioning of humans.

Furthering behavioral studies for understanding microbiota-brain insights

How and to what extend do microbes in the gut affect the brain and behavior? Discover how they do this kind of research at UCLA.

EthoVision XT and the Morris Water Maze: expert tips and tricks

Neuroscientist Colleen McSweeney, Ph.D. shares her expert knowledge on using EthoVision XT and the Morris Water Maze. From a brief history to valuable tips and tricks, here is all you need to know on automated tracking.

5 proven ways to measure spatial learning in rodents

What is spatial learning, why is it important and how do we measure it? Here we dive into 5 different behavioral tests that specifically measure spatial learning and memory in rodents.

Mimicking human decision-making in a mouse model

Choosing the appropriate behavioral test can be a challenge, but is very important. And sometimes, researchers will have to develop their own.

Robust and reliable: Measuring anxiety in the Elevated plus maze

Screening of anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze becomes more reliable with Ethovision XT combined with the standardization of testing parameters and common practices.

How we turned our office into a living lab with a green roof

Green roofs are becoming more and more popular around the world. These living roofs transform buildings into ecological systems that benefits its surrounding environment.