Overview

PhenoLab is a video-based home cage observation system where rodent behavior is automatically monitored. Activity and movement are continuously measured and analyzed using . PhenoLab can be configured to suit the behavioral test you want to do.

How does it work?

1. Design your experiment to include manually scored behaviours (e.g. feeding)
   and independent variables (e.g. animal code, strain, treatment) for automatic
   data selection.
2. Define zones of any shape so that you can automatically analyse the behaviour of an animal in relation to zones e.g. 'feeder' or 'shelter', even if the animal is hidden from view.
3.  can activate light and sound stimuli to elicit additional behavioural responses (e.g. anxiety-related behaviour, learning behaviour). For instance, if a mouse approaches the shelter too closely, a sound stimulus can be generated.
4. Visualise your data. Export tracks for presentations.
5. Automatically analyse your data. Time and distance related parameters can be calculated for the independent variables and zones, e.g. distance moved, time spent in shelter, activity patterns, distance from wall, number of stops and activity levels.
   A number of path-shape related parameters are provided to study turning rates, spatial orientation or stereotypic behaviours. The analysis of each parameter can be restricted to specific time intervals, behaviours or zones (e.g. compare patterns displayed during the day with those displayed during the night).

Features and Benefits

Feature	Benefit
Infra-red (IR) lights and an IR camera ensure reliable monitoring, regardless of ambient light conditions in the lab.	Monitor animals during multiple circadian cycles.
The visible light and sound stimuli can be automatically (de)activated by  when user-definable conditions are met.	Elicit operant behaviours.
A white spot light can be turned on to create a light gradient inside PhenoLab.	Assessment of light-dark preference.
Fine-tuning of all the integrated equipment is done with a portable control unit.	Ensure constant settings when handling the PhenoLab.
PhenoTyper consists of a configuration of plain walls, ventilation walls, walls containing a water bottle and feeder, and walls on which a shelter can be attached.	The exact configuration depends on the behavioral test you want to do.

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