Complex Behaviors
Animal Models of Executive Function
July 5, 2021
The brain acts as a “black box” where sensory inputs are processed and transformed into action to survive and succeed. As the organism becomes more complex,…
Modeling Intelligence in Rodents
July 2, 2021
Nicola Tesla, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and Stephan Hawking are names associated with high intelligence. People want to understand this fascinating trait…
Modeling Chronic Stress
June 14, 2021
In order to survive, our bodies need to constantly adapt to environmental challenges. This process of regulation is called homeostasis[1] and describes…
Rodent Models of Empathy Disorders
May 31, 2021
Empathy is the capability to not only recognize and understand another individual’s emotional state and experience, but to also share these feelings and…
In this section, we explore the different models used for recreating complex behaviors. These complex behaviors are differentiated by the presence of a key cognitive component. Although all models in animal research are complex in their own regard, here we cover particularly challenging topics such as creativity, genius, music, and more.
For related content, see:
- Neurological Disease Models: Browse through the various rodent models which are specifically used to model neurological diseases. Featured topics range from seizures to PTSD to depression.
- Non-Neurological Disease Models: Non-neurological diseases can also affect behaviors. Here, we highlight the many non-neurological disease models used in neuroscience research.
- Animal Models: See how different types of animals, like sheep and pigs, are used in animal research and what they can teach us about behavioral neuroscience.
- Mouse Ethogram: A comprehensive resource that lists detailed information profiling all known mouse behaviors, including information on pharmaceutical studies, disease models, and different mouse strains that display the behavior in focus.
Stress & Anxiety Testing in Mice
October 22, 2018
Introduction Stress and anxiety are unfortunate but wholly familiar aspects of every human life. It is likely that these negative emotional experiences were…
Effects of Reduced Vascular Flow on Mouse Behavior
October 10, 2018
Introduction Cerebrovascular disease, where blood flow to all or part of the brain is reduced to dangerous levels, is a serious and highly prevalent disorder.…
Motor Testing in Mouse Models
July 3, 2018
One of the distinguishing characteristics of living organisms is their capacity to move under their own power, i.e. to carry out motor behaviors. In a certain…
Social Interaction Tests in Mouse Models
April 18, 2018
Human beings, and many other species exhibit a rich panoply of social behaviors. Social interactions common to a huge variety of different species include…
Modeling Impulsive Behavior In Mice
October 24, 2017
A hallmark of our species is the ability to make decisions based on reason and logical thinking. Hundreds of choices bombard us every day, and without the…
Social Hierarchy in Animals: Dominance Tests in Mice
September 4, 2017
Dominance hierarchies are a common feature of animal societies. Some individuals will behave more dominantly toward others, and these interactions result in a…
Sleep Models: Sleep Deprivation in Rodents
July 8, 2017
If everyone slept a full eight hours every night, it is estimated that we would each spend about one third of our lives sleeping. Given that incredible time…
Animal Models of Anxiety: A Beginner's Guide
January 3, 2017
We routinely count on animal models to understand complex human emotions and experiences, many of which cannot reasonably be expected to fully recapitulate in…
Spatial Learning: A Beginner's Guide
December 12, 2016
Content Allocentric vs. Egocentric Navigation Navigation within the Brain Principles of Navigational Assessment Assessment Methods Radial Arm Maze and Morris…
Using Zero Mazes to Scare Away Anxiety
June 3, 2015
Zero Maze Test Since we’re talking about running tests on mice the method of choice used in these studies is, you guessed it, mazes. The study we’ll be…
Spontaneous alternation for Y Mazes and T Mazes
June 9, 2014
Welcome back to the MazeEngineer Blog. Last week we began our trip down memory lane by discussing how reference memory and working menory can be assessed with…
Startle Response: Acoustic Startle Reflex Response 101
May 15, 2014
Today’s topic is the acoustic startle reflex response (in mice/rats). Many of you may be familiar with this term, but may not really know what it is or why it…
