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. 

At Noldus Information Technology, we make it our mission to ensure that our software can get you the analysis you need quickly, easily, and reliably. Take a look at some examples of Neuroscience software tools and how they're used by researchers around the world.

Video tracking software

Our EthoVision XT video tracking software is a software platform – you can start with the Base module, which allows you to track the center point of one animal in one arena.

Depending on your research needs, you can then expand your software capabilities with eight different add-on modules that include the ability to track in multiple arenas at once, analyze social interaction, track the nose point, center, and tail base of your subject, and control interaction with external equipment in your test protocol.

EthoVision XT is mainly used in fields related to neuroscience, such as behavioral neuroscience, genetics, pharmacology, and toxicology. It is included in package deals for a variety of tests including Morris water maze, radial arm maze, Barnes maze, and T-maze tasks. In addition, we also have a variety of cameras and computers for you to select from if you do not already have hardware equipment.

If you are interested in trying it out, we also provide free 30-day downloadable trials – just let our Scientific Sales Consultants know when you want your trial to start! If you like, our consultants can also walk you through your trial via a remote screen sharing session in order to answer any questions you might have and ensure you get the introduction you need in order to decide if EthoVision XT is right for you.

Want more information? Access our EthoVision XT page to read further and to request a quote or free trial. 

Behavioral coding and analysis software

Set up, gather, and analyze your observational data with The Observer XT. This software system supports your entire research process, allowing you to design your own observational studies and coding schemes. Like EthoVision XT, The Observer XT consists of one Base module that can be combined with additional modules for added functionality. 

On its own, the Base module allows you to set up your study and coding scheme design, perform live coding, offline editing, and analysis, and present your data.

Additional modules come with abilities such as scoring digital media files offline, performing reliability and lag sequential analysis, and importing data from a wide range of acquisition systems.

You can use The Observer XT in both animal and human studies, and due to its capacity to synchronize and analyze multiple signals (video, audio, physiology, etc.), it proves to be a useful tool for researchers in many fields. These include wildlife behavior, fundamental neurosciences, and farm animal welfare.

FREE TRIAL: Try The Observer XT yourself!

Request a free trial and see for yourself how easy behavioral research can be!

• Work faster
• Reduce costs
• Get better data

Free Trial

Just like our offer for EthoVision XT, we recommend free 30-day downloadable trials of The Observer XT as well as walkthroughs via screen share. Why not try it out? Request a free trial here and get on your way to saving time as well as coding and describing behavior accurately and quantitatively.

Zebrafish research software and hardware

If you are doing research on zebrafish or insect larvae and would like a complete tracking system that offers reliable data and analysis, look no further. Powered by our EthoVision XT tracking software, DanioVision can track up to 96 individuals in well plates at once. Its main components are as follows:

• EthoVision XT software
• DanioVision Observation chamber (includes lighting and IR-sensitive camera)
• Temperature Control Unit (optional, to control the temperature of your subjects)
• Tapping Device (optional for sound/vibration stimuli)
• Computer with EthoVision XT software pre-installed

Using EthoVision XT, you can track each of your larvae simultaneously and control stimuli such as light, sound, and vibration. It can also calculate variables such as velocity, distance moved, and turn angle.

You can use DanioVision in studies on toxicology, circadian rhythmicity, and Parkinson’s disease, to name a few. For more information on DanioVision, visit our zebrafish website to watch our short introduction video, view recent publications, and request a free demo.

Instrumented cage for uninterrupted behavioral testing using EthoVision XT software

If you are using rats or mice in your research and are looking to study them in a home cage environment or overnight, then our PhenoTyper is the solution for you.

Powered by EthoVision XT, the PhenoTyper is an instrumented cage, typically equipped with an IR sensitive camera, IR light, white and yellow lights, and sound stimuli located within a top unit. It is available in either a basic or home cage version, and while it is ideal for long-term studies, it provides considerable advantages for shorter studies as well.

When you use a PhenoTyper, you gain access to a fully integrated test environment with video equipment. What’s more, there are a wide range of add-on and custom options like a pellet dispenser, Mouse Feeding monitor (to measure feeding behavior via IR beam break), PhenoWheel (to measure running activity), IR translucent shelters, and optogenetics. 

You can run a multitude of learning tests such as novel object recognition and operant conditioning, and if you choose to perform a long-term study, home cages can operate for several days in a row without any human intervention. This means that you can assess your subject in a natural environment while performing multiple or repeated experiments for a long period of time.

Interested? Check out our website to learn more about how you can adapt PhenoTyper to suit your research needs and watch our customer success stories.

And there is more!

Aside from the neuroscience lab software tools and complete solutions mentioned here, there are still a number of solutions we haven’t introduced yet, like CatWalk XT or ErasmusLadder.  

We also encourage you to reach out and chat with us. If for any reason the options on this list are not exactly what you are searching for, we are happy to discuss alternative means in order to provide you with the best possible fit for your research. We look forward to working with you!