WaterR: A tool for better management and monitoring of rodent fluid intake

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Understanding how signals in the brain guide our behaviour is vital to help combat many neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. These kinds of experiments normally require motivational drive to help the animals learn a behavioural task (much like training a dog) and liquid treats are one of the best motivators to use. However, it is difficult to ensure that the animal is just thirsty enough, without putting them in a state where they are unnecessarily thirsty. To improve these procedures, we have developed a low-cost device for automatically dispensing just the right amounts of water. In this project we will work with groups across the UK to trial improvements to the device to make sure it can easily be used in any lab. We will then publish the plans online for making the device and we will hold workshops to tell others about it, to make sure as many labs as possible start using this approach.