Creating an open source operant and feeding aparatus

我们使用开源工具和软件创建了一个低成本（<150美元）的操作培训箱。操作训练是一种非常有价值的行为测试形式，可以分析动机，冲动，焦虑，抑郁，成瘾和许多其他行为过程。不幸的是，一旦所有软件和硬件都被考虑在内，大多数供应商提供的腔室的成本为每个腔室5 - 10 K美元。这对许多研究人员来说是非常昂贵的，所以我们想开发一种低成本的解决方案，让我们自己，我们的合作者和任何其他感兴趣的研究人员都可以使用这种形式的行为测试。 在过去的一年里，我们已经完成了我们的操作室的设计，开始测试它训练小鼠对食物的操作反应，并发表了第一篇论文，概述了如何建立这种设备。 在本年度，我们正在准备一个新版本的设备，该设备是基于一个颗粒分配器，并可用于调节实验室小鼠的喂养，以及调查操作行为。 我们目前也在准备新版本的手稿。

We have created a low cost (<$150) operant training box, using open source tools and software. Operant training is a highly valuable form of behavioral testing that can assay motivation, impulsiveness, anxiety, depression, addiction, and many other behavioral processes. Unfortunately, most commerical suppliers provide chambers that cost on the order of $5-10K per chamber, once all software and hardware is accounted for. This is prohibitively expensive for many researchers, so we would like to develop a low cost solution that will allow our selves, our collaborators, and any other interested researchers access to this form of behavioral testing. In the past year, we have finalized design of our operant chamber, begun testing it for training mice on operant responding for food, and published a first paper outlining how to build this device. In the current year, we are preparing a new version of the device that is based around a pellet dispenser, and can be used to regulate feeding in laboratory mice, as well as investigate operant behavior. We are currently preparing a manuscript on the new version as well.