Posts by Steffen van Heijningen

Calcium imaging and measuring behavior

What is calcium imaging, and how can you this technique to get a better understanding of complex rodent behavior? Read more about the basic principles and benefits of calcium imaging

Noldus top tips! Our latest must-read animal blogs

Dive into our latest collection of top behavioral research blogs! Discover fascinating studies and learn how Noldus tools can advance your research.

Early-life stress and the onset of depression later in life

I had a chat with my old department at the University of Groningen to see what they are currently working on. Read more about their reseach into early life stress!

Using zebrafish as an early warning system of neurotoxic substances

How can we use a zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model to detect possible neurotoxic chemical mixtures that are difficult to detect with normal chemical analyses?

Measuring behavior of coral larvae in response to antifouling coatings

What effect do ship hull coatings have on coral viability and restoration? And how can non-toxic alternatives effect mobility behavior in coral larvae?

The Hypothalamus is involved in locomotion? Complex dopamine circuitry uncovered

By measuring locomotion and investigating dopaminergic neurons, complex dopamine circuitry is uncovered. How are amphetamine and our biological clock involved in this?

Does well plate size matter? A methodological study in zebrafish

The DanioVision observation chamber is a versatile research tool to study Zebrafish embryos and larvae by using well plates. Does the size of the wells in these plates affect study outcomes?

5 Animal blogs not about rats, mice or zebrafish

The scope of measuring behavior goes beyond rats, mice and (zebra)fish. As behavioral experts we love to also highlight research in animals such as mites, elephants, dolphins and shrimps.

Tracking tiny transparent fish with EthoVision XT

Danionella cerebrum, a recently discovered cyprinid fish, has the smallest known vertebrate brain. What are the behavioral differences or similarities to their zebrafish relatives?

Using video tracking to study operant behavior in rodents

What is operant behavior? And how can we use software such as EthoVision XT to increase our understanding in the learning and memory processes involved in these studies?

The social interaction test: effortless and dependable with EthoVision XT

What is the social interaction test? This blog dives into this topic for fish and rodents. Why is social interaction important to measure, and how do we go about doing it?

Guest blog: Having a look at operant behavior

Scientists from Idorsia Pharmaceuticals in Switzerland provide an expert view on operant behavior, and how we can improve our understanding of this complex behavior with the help of video tracking.