System for comprehensive tracking and analysis of C. elegans behaviors

描述（由申请人提供）：我们提出了一种商业产品，由计算机化显微镜系统组成，允许研究人员对自由移动的秀丽隐杆线虫的运动和其他复杂行为进行自动化，定量分析。使用土壤线虫，秀丽隐杆线虫作为毒理学研究中实用和有效的模型，需要创建自动化技术来评估不同实验条件下的生长，大小，繁殖，摄食和运动。目前，大多数评估秀丽隐杆线虫表型行为的方法都是手动的，而且执行起来很费力，这妨碍了中等通量的研究。我们相信，这一强大的商业软件解决方案的引入，将大大有助于进一步取代和减少传统的毒理学测试，替代秀丽隐杆线虫的体内毒理学分析。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We propose a commercial product composed of a computerized microscope system that allows investigators to perform automated, quantitative analyses of locomotory and other complex behaviors of freely moving C. elegans nematodes. Using the soil nematode, C. elegans, as a practical and efficient model in toxicology studies requires creation of automated technologies to evaluate growth, size, reproduction, feeding, and movement under different experimental conditions. Currently, most methods to assess C. elegans phenotypic behavior are manual and laborious to perform which precludes medium-throughput studies. We believe that introduction of this robust commercial software solution will significantly contribute to further replacement and reduction of conventional toxicology tests by alternative in vivo toxicology assays using C. elegans. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The proposed project will increase the throughput of studies involving quantitative behavioral analysis using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). This will allow researchers to automatically perform complex and laborious tasks which are presently performed manually. The overall effect of this project will significantly improve the productivity and effectiveness of research in such diverse fields as toxicology, environmental monitoring, ecology and neuroscience research.