Neurobehavior Testing Core

The Neurobehavior Testing Core provides expertise, facilities and training for a variety of procedures that span multiple behavior domains. Behavior output related to sensory, motor, social, communication, affect, learning and memory are routinely assessed. An initial consultation with core staff will be helpful in designing a battery of procedures tailored to address the aims of each specific project. Core personnel can perform the entire study or after training, personnel from the PI may perform procedures at a reduced cost. The Neurobehavior Testing Core is subsidized by ITMAT and the IDDRC at CHOP/UPenn to reduce direct costs to the investigator.

Behavior Procedures Available

Contextual and Cued Fear Conditioning
Barnes Maze
T-maze Reward Learning
Y-Maze Spontaneous Alternation
Spatial Object Recognition
Novel Object Recognition
Reversal Learning and Extinction
Circadian Wheel Running
Home Cage Activity Monitoring
Open Field Activity/Habituation
Rotarod
Hole Poke Exploration
Social Choice
Social Memory
Resident Intruder/Tube Test
Ultrasonic Vocalization Recording
Elevated Zero Maze
Light/Dark Box
Acoustic Startle Response & PPI
Forced Swim Test
Thermal Sensitivity
Grip Strength
Von Frey Touch Sensitivity
Gait Analysis (ink & paper)
Marble Burying
Novelty Suppressed Feeding
Sucrose & EtOH Preference
Conditioned Taste Aversion
Developmental Milestone Tracking

Ancillary Procedures Available

Colony Management
Some Surgical Procedures
Tissue Harvest
Data Compiling/Basic Statistical Analysis
Experimental Design
Report/Grant/Manuscript Assistance

We are happy to develop new procedures and tailor routine procedures to suit project-specific aims.

Contact Information

To explore how the Neurobehavior Testing Core might be helpful to your project, please contact Dr. W. Tim O’Brien to schedule a free initial consultation.

Personnel

W. Tim O’Brien Ph.D., Director
Email: obrienw@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Phone: (215) 898-0476

Brianna Ciesielski, Research Specialist
Email: bcies@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Nathaniel Dyanick, Research Specialist
Email: nathaniel.dyanick@pennmedicine.upenn.edu