Accurate tracking and analysis of animal behavior is crucial for modern systems neuroscience. However, following freely moving animals in naturalistic, three-dimensional (3D) or nocturnal environments remains a major challenge. Here, we present EthoLoop, a framework for studying the neuroethology of freely roaming animals. Combining real-time optical tracking and behavioral analysis with remote-controlled stimulus-reward boxes, this system allows direct interactions with animals in their habitat. EthoLoop continuously provides close-up views of the tracked individuals and thus allows high-resolution behavioral analysis using deep-learning methods. The behaviors detected on the fly can be automatically reinforced either by classical conditioning or by optogenetic stimulation via wirelessly controlled portable devices. Finally, by combining 3D tracking with wireless neurophysiology we demonstrate the existence of place-cell-like activity in the hippocampus of freely moving primates. Taken together, we show that the EthoLoop framework enables interactive, well-controlled and reproducible neuroethological studies in large-field naturalistic settings.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41592-020-0961-2 | DOI Listing |
Neurosci Res
January 2025
RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan. Electronic address:
In mammals, lactation is essential for the health and growth of infants and supports the formation of the mother-infant bond. Breastfeeding is mediated by the neurohormone oxytocin (OT), which is released into the bloodstream in a pulsatile manner from OT neurons in the hypothalamus to promote milk ejection into mammary ducts. While classical studies using anesthetized rats have illuminated the activity patterns of putative OT neurons during breastfeeding, the molecular, cellular, and neural circuit mechanisms driving the synchronous pulsatile bursts of OT neurons in response to nipple stimulation remain largely elusive.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRSC Adv
January 2025
Nano-Science Center & Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen Universitetsparken 5 2100 København Ø Denmark
pH remains the most important chemical parameter and must be monitored for positive outcomes in areas as different as cheese making and fertilisation (IVF). Where blood gas analysers enable patient monitoring, starter cultures in cheese manufacturing are still monitored using conventional pH electrodes. Here, we present a homogeneous multiwell plate sensor for monitoring pH, with the same sensitivity as a pH electrode.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFACS ES T Water
January 2025
Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States.
Alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are abundant constituents of many PAH mixtures and contribute to risk at contaminated sites. Despite their abundance, the movement of alkylated PAHs remains understudied relative to unsubstituted PAHs. In the present study, passive sampling devices were deployed in the air, water, and sediments at 11 locations across multiple seasons to capture spatial and temporal variability in the abundance and movement of alkylated PAHs at a Brownsfield creosote site in Oregon, USA.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurr Protoc
January 2025
Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland.
In vivo calcium imaging in freely moving rats using miniscopes provides valuable information about the neural mechanisms of behavior in real time. A gradient index (GRIN) lens can be implanted in deep brain structures to relay activity from single neurons. While such procedures have been successful in mice, few reports provide detailed procedures for successful surgery and long-term imaging in rats, which are better suited for studying complex human behaviors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAngew Chem Int Ed Engl
January 2025
School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai, 200241, China.
Monitoring dynamic neurochemical signals in the brain of free-moving animals remains great challenging in biocompatibility and direct implantation capability of current electrodes. Here we created a self-supporting polymer-based flexible microelectrode (rGPF) with sufficient bending stiffness for direct brain implantation without extra devices, but demonstrating low Young's modulus with remarkable biocompatibility and minimal position shifts. Meanwhile, screening by density functional theory (DFT) calculation, we designed and synthesized specific ligands targeting Mg and Ca, and constructed Mg-E and Ca-E sensors with high selectivity, good reversibility, and fast response time, successfully monitoring Mg and Ca in vivo up to 90 days.
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