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Bikovski L, Robinson L, Konradsson-Geuken A, Kullander K, Viereckel T, Winberg S, Roman E, Tsoory M. Lessons, insights and newly developed tools emerging from behavioral phenotyping core facilities. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 334:108597. [PMID: 31987912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Scientific investigations, in general, and research in neuroscience, in particular, are becoming ever more complex and require the integration of different techniques. Behavioral assays, which are among the most frequently used methodologies in neuroscience, nowadays rely on advanced, sophisticated technologies that require proficient application. Therefore, behavioral core facilities are becoming essential support units, as they provide the specialized expert research services needed to conduct advanced neuroscience. We here review the lessons learned and insights gathered from managing behavioral core facilities in different academic research institutes. This review addresses several issues, including: the advantages of behavioral core facilities, considerations for establishing a behavioral core facility, and the methodological advances made through calibration and standardization of assay protocols and the development of new assays. Collectively, the review highlights the benefits of both working within and collaborating with behavioral core facility units and emphasizes the potential progress in neuro-phenotyping that such facilities provide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Bikovski
- The Myers Neuro-Behavioral Core Facility, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Behavioral Sciences, Netanya Academic College, 4223587, Netanya, Israel.
| | - Lianne Robinson
- Behavioural Neuroscience Core Facility, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | | | - Klas Kullander
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thomas Viereckel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Svante Winberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erika Roman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michael Tsoory
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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