Scientific Director: Barry Setlow, Ph.D.
The Behavioral and Integrated Neural Systems Core provides MBI investigators with standardized, well-controlled platforms to assess motor, cognitive and affective behaviors in preclinical models of brain disease. The core offers open-field and activity monitoring systems, motor and gait analysis, rotational performance testing, and spatial learning and memory tasks such as the water maze. Dedicated behavioral suites support rigor and reproducibility across longitudinal studies.
Core staff assist with experimental design, task selection, protocol optimization and data interpretation, and provide training to ensure consistent implementation of behavioral assays. Whenever possible, behavioral readouts are aligned with complementary imaging, electrophysiology and molecular endpoints to generate integrated neural systems phenotypes. The core also plans to add metabolic enclosures in the near future to pair behavioral testing with metabolic monitoring.
Available Resources
- Activity Monitoring System – Four fully automated stations connected to a central data collection system for assessing locomotor activity.
- Motor and Gait Analysis Systems – DigiGait system for comprehensive movement and coordination assessments.
- Rotational Performance Assessment – A RotaRod system for studying endurance, balance, and motor control.
- Spatial Water Maze – A controlled aquatic environment designed for evaluating spatial learning, memory performance, and navigational strategies.
- Dedicated Behavioral Testing Rooms – Private, fully equipped rooms for conducting preclinical behavioral assessments with minimal environmental variability.
- General Research Lab Space – Additional workspace is available for new applications and equipment as needs evolve. Suggestions and requests are welcome.
Access & Collaboration
Select equipment is available for use by MBI members. Additionally, many researchers within the MBI community have specialized behavioral testing technology in their laboratories and may offer collaborative access on a case-by-case basis.
For more information or to discuss availability, please contact Dr. Barry Setlow, scientific director of the Behavior and Integrated Neural Systems Core, via email or through the form below.