Animal Behavior Research Blog Posts

Using CatWalk XT to analyze variations in gait performance in adolescent mice

Rodents are the most common model organisms in biomedical research. Automated gait analysis provides a precise and objective means of analyzing behavioral and physiological changes in rodent models.

What is the Barnes maze? A dry-land environment for testing learning and memory

The Barnes maze is a behavioral paradigm for testing learning and memory in rodents models for autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and ageing. How does it compare to the Morris water maze?

Examples of Animal Behavior Research

Researchers in ethology are interested in understanding all aspects of animal behavior. We have highlighted some great examples of Animal Behavior Research on our Behavioral Research Blog.

Studying zebrafish behavior using video tracking software

When it comes to studying zebrafish behavior, video tracking software is the ideal tool. Here we highlight five recent posts about studies on zebrafish behavior where researchers applied video tracking software.

5 blogs on why you should use video tracking in behavioral research

In this blogpost you can find an overview of our top 5 favorite blogs on why you should use video tracking in your behavioral research.

Zebrafish attracted to superfish: video tracking sex differences in shoaling

Are images enough to evoke a shoaling response in zebrafish? Do males and females respond differently to shoals or the opposite sex? A recent study finds out.

Environmental enrichment rescues autistic-like behaviors in mice

A recent mice study from The Scripps Research Institute shows that behavioral therapy might still be successful in later diagnosis of ASD with macrocephaly, laying groundwork for successful late interventions.

Behavioral research shows how elephants like their new habitat at the Oregon Zoo

The elephants at the Oregon Zoo got a new and improved place to live. This 4-year study described in detail how the animals adapted and liked the new features of their habitat.

Citizen science in research: studying contaminated drinking water with zebrafish

Local residents, students and scientists joined forces to investigate harmful contaminants in drinking water wells in New England. Behavioral effects of these contaminants were studied in zebrafish.

Advancing the novel object test: 3D printing and deep learning

To improve standardisation and consistency in the novel object test, Spry et al designed the 'CapTouch' system: capacative objects that can automatically register interaction. But what about deep learning in EthoVision XT?

Using the Observer XT to measure aggressive behavior in Dolphins

The Observer XT is often used in the field to score complex ethograms. This blog touches upon a study of the 'Wild Dolphin Project' that investigates aggresive behavior between two species of dolphins.

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.