Light/Dark Box Social Interaction Test for Rodents

Background:

The purpose of this development is to address specific questions and problems that arise in in the areas of Neuroscience, Neuropsychology, Cognitive and Behavioral Science, and Social Learning and Memory and overcome deficiencies in conventional testing mechanisms: 

• How do normal/wild male versus female mice normally approach familiar versus strange mice of either sex? 
• With repeated force-paired choice testing how do normal/wild mice choose between familiar versus novel toys, and how do normal/wild mice choose between familiar versus novel mice? 
• Using video tracking data from a bird's-eye view to accurately determine the behavior of the "stranger" mice as they must co-engage in order to be considered socialization. 
• Repetition of testing procedures with particular mice to confront the "undesirable" pheromone versus toy phenomenon. 

Technology Overview:

The Light/Dark Box Social Interaction Test has been specifically designed by researchers at SUNY Old Westbury to overcome deficiencies in conventional testing mechanisms. The apparatus consists of three chambers: a light chamber, a dark chamber, and a social zone. It employs a video tracking system and can also be equipped with infra-red beams to help the scientist make more accurate observations of rodent behavior under certain conditions. Designed to address specific questions and problems in the areas of Neuroscience, Neuropsychology, Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, and Social Learning and Memory, this research tool is especially useful for research on social affective disorders including ADD, ADHD, Autism, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Schizophrenia, etc.

Licensing Status:

This technology is available for licensing.