Testing in a

Light-dark box

The light-dark box is used to test the unconditioned anxiety response of rats or mice. It is based on the innate light aversion and the spontaneous exploratory behavior of rodents in response to mild stressors; the novel environment and the light/open space.

Testing in a Light-dark box
 

Light-dark box compartments

During the test, the animal is placed in a chamber with two compartments, one light and one dark. The Noldus light-dark box has one larger open room, and one smaller dark compartment. In between them is a manually operated sliding door.

The Noldus light-dark box is made out of IR translucent materials for optimal video tracking.

  
light dark box
 

Video tracking in the light-dark box

The Noldus light-dark box is made out of high-quality IR translucent materials. In combination with the IR backlight and IR sensitive camera, this makes the box perfectly suited for video tracking with EthoVision XT.

All these components are available in a package deal. This includes a full license of EthoVision XT, which can be used to video track and automate a wide range of behavioral tests.

 
 
Customer quote

EthoVision XT is used in over 10,000 publications. Get your free trial to try it out!

 

Video tracking parameters

During the test, the animal can pass from one compartment to the other. Common parameters measured include time spent in each compartment and crossings from one compartment to the other. Orientation and body elongation can be useful additions.

EthoVision XT makes video tracking a breeze and automatically calculated a number of parameters based on the location of the animal, and the relative position of its nose point, center point, and tail base. 

 

Customizable

The Noldus light-dark box is standard available for mice or customized to your specifications.

 
 


Relevant blogs

high-throughput-method-ethogenomics

Developing a high-throughput method - EthoGenomics

Ornamental flowers are among the main export products of The Netherlands. Thrips are one of the most important pests on ornamental flowers.
motor-functioning-mice

Walking the ladder: testing the cellular source of motor functioning in mice

The cerebellum, our “little brain”, is all about motor control; more specifically, it’s about coordination, precision, and timing.
user-meeting-ethovision-external-data

User Meeting: exploring external data integration

A few months ago, we organized our very first User Meeting about EthoVision XT and external data integration! The meeting included interesting talks, discussions, and demonstrations with a diverse group of participants.
 
Ready to kick start your research?
Want better insights and faster results? Contact us now to learn how we can help you!

Email address *

Organization *

Country *

Privacy policy *

Information and updates

I would like to receive high-quality content produced by Noldus that is relevant for me, such as blogs, product updates, customer stories, and events.