Behavioral Research Blog
22 Apr
animal behavior research
Zebrafish Research
Tracking zebrafish activity to study a key element in circadian rhythmicity
Zebrafish are a popular model of choice for many researchers, including chronobiologists. That’s because zebrafish rapidly develop their ‘inner clock’ (circadian system) – and because this system is highly light-entrainable.
16 Apr
animal behavior research
Other (Animal)
Observing monkey behavior – cracking the nut
We already know some monkeys display above average intelligence. One way by which we can tell is their use of tools. Studies have shown that capuchin monkeys use boulders and logs as anvils upon which they can crush nuts.
28 Mar
animal behavior research
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Zebrafish with Parkinson's
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is one of the main neurodegenerative diseases and many researchers are involved in investigating this disease and developing treatments
22 Mar
animal behavior research
Social Behavior
Connects some dots - cognitive impairment and cranial radiation
On a yearly basis, an estimated 20.000 individuals are diagnosed with primary brain tumors in the United States alone. About ten times that number of patients will receive treatment for primary or metastatic brain cancer.
18 Mar
human behavior research
Human Factors
Human-robot interaction: Can you trust a robot?
How do you know if someone with whom you do business is telling the truth? When buying something from a stranger, we are trying to determine if he or she can be trusted, either consciously or unconsciously.
12 Mar
animal behavior research
Other (Animal)
Beautiful birds and UV – What we cannot see
Don’t we all enjoy the variety and intensity of bird colors? Male birds have perhaps the most impressive color display in nature.
12 Feb
animal behavior research
Zebrafish Research
Zebrafish tracking to uncover subtle effects of embryonic alcohol exposure
Zebrafish are not the first species one might think of as being exposed to alcohol in their natural environment.
08 Feb
animal behavior research
Research Methods
Why it is smart to test your animal in its home cage
Behavior of laboratory rodents is often studied in well-controlled, simple experiments, in an environment that is fundamentally different from the animal’s home cage.
05 Feb
animal behavior research
Optogenetics
Optogenetics and operant conditioning
A great example of optogenetics in behavioral studies is the work of Dr. Kravitz and Dr. Kreitzer at the Kreitzer lab (currently, Kravitz works at the NIDDK in Bethesda). Let me tell you about it.
15 Jan
human behavior research
Healthcare
Observations of surgeons as a tool to assess competency
Medical doctors receive extensive education and training before and during their time spent working at a hospital or clinic.