Cognitive Function
- Novel Object Recognition
- Morris Water Maze
- Barnes Maze
- Radial Arm Maze
- Fear Conditioning
- Set Shifting
- Conditioned Taste Aversion
- Conditioned Place Preference
- Spontaneous & Delayed Alternation
The Animal Behavior Core (ABC) in the Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience is a centralized shared resource facility that supports interdisciplinary neuroscience research through rigorous, reproducible assessments of rodent behavior.
It provides dedicated testing space, state-of-the-art equipment, experienced personnel, and expertise in behavioral phenotyping, experimental design, data acquisition, analysis, and assistance with manuscripts and grants.
Since its establishment, the ABC has supported over 50 investigators, contributing to more than 20 peer-reviewed publications and numerous NIH-funded projects.
Available Assays
The ABC offers a validated battery of behavioral assays across multiple domains:
Affective & Social Behaviors
- Open Field
- Elevated Plus Maze
- Light / Dark Box
- Marble Burying
- Social Interaction & Preference
- Social Discrimination Memory
- Social Transmission of Food Preference
- Forced Swim
- Tail Suspension
- Anhedonia Assays
Sensorimotor & Sensory Function
- Rotarod
- Grip Strength
- Gait Analysis
- Balance Beam
- Acoustic Startle & Prepulse Inhibition
- Von Frey
- Hargreaves
- Visual Cliff
- Pupil Dilation
- Fine Motor Coordination
Developmental & Other
- Developmental Milestones
- Ultrasonic Vocalizations
- Grooming & Stereotypies
- Olfactory Discrimination
- Functional Observation Battery
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Innovative Capabilities and Computational Neuroethology
Beyond standard testing, the ABC specializes in custom behavioral paradigms and computational approaches to enable ethologically relevant experiments. Key expertise includes:
- Development of custom paradigms, such as VR-based tasks for head-fixed mice.
- High-throughput, closed-loop behavioral control.
- Advanced tracking using computer vision.
- Training and deployment of deep learning models for pose estimation and behavior classification.
- Scalable Python-based data analysis pipelines.
- Quantitative modeling of behavior across timescales.
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Integration with Neural Recordings
The ABC facilitates multimodal investigations by integrating behavioral assays with neural recordings. This includes simultaneous use of high-density silicon probes (e.g., Neuropixels) and optical methods, allowing precise correlations between brain activity and behavior. Collaborations with the Neural Imaging Core enhance these capabilities, leveraging institutional investments in advanced recording technologies to align with NIH priorities in brain-behavior mechanisms.
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Training & User Support
New users receive structured onboarding, including one-on-one training, detailed manuals, SOPs, and hands-on instruction in experimental design, testing, recordings, and data processing pipelines. Ongoing support addresses troubleshooting, analysis, and data interpretation.
Structured Onboarding
One-on-one training, manuals, and SOPs covering experimental design, testing, recordings, and data processing.
Ongoing Support
Troubleshooting, analysis review, and data-interpretation guidance throughout the lifetime of your project.
Scheduling via iLab
Equitable scheduling, transparent instrument allocation, and prioritization of NIH-funded projects.
Interested in Using the Core?
We support new and existing investigators with behavioral phenotyping, computational paradigms, and integrated neural recordings — from experimental design through analysis and manuscript preparation. Reach out to discuss your project.
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