A New Open-Source Behavioral Software for Remote Training and Assessment of Laboratory Animal Behavior: Validation in the Neurobiology Laboratory (BIO415L) course

A New Open-Source Behavioral Software for Remote Training and Assessment of Laboratory Animal Behavior: Validation in the Neurobiology Laboratory (BIO415L) course

Presenter(s)

Aikaterini Britzolaki

Comments

This poster reflects research conducted as part of a course project designed to give students experience in the research process. Course: BIO 415L

Description

The need for assessing laboratory animal behavior has steadily increased over the past decades as a tool to investigate the effects of stress, as well the impact of genetic and pharmacological manipulations in rodents. In fact, preclinical researchers have heavily relied on animal behavior in order to dissect complex neurobiological pathways. A wide range of behavioral software is available for researchers to track and analyze animal behavior in both teaching and research settings; most options require the researcher’s physical presence and the use of specialized licensed equipment, limiting the potential for remote work and education, two important aspects in daily life during the COVID-19 pandemic. In that context, our Neuroscience lab group at the University of Dayton, in collaboration with a team of computer engineers, designed a new open-source and easily accessible software for assessing animal behavior in research and teaching settings. The educational value of this behavioral software was further validated in our Neurobiology Laboratory (BIO415L; Fall 2020) course. Herein, we briefly discuss the design, validation, and educational value of our new behavioral software.

Publication Date

4-22-2021

Project Designation

Course Project

Primary Advisor

Pothitos Pitychoutis

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium project, College of Arts and Sciences

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-Being

A New Open-Source Behavioral Software for Remote Training and Assessment of Laboratory Animal Behavior: Validation in the Neurobiology Laboratory (BIO415L) course

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