A modular, cost-effective, versatile, open-source operant box solution for long-term miniscope imaging, 3D tracking, and deep learning behavioral analysis
Nicholas J. Beacher,
Jessica Y. Kuo,
Miranda Targum,
Michael Wang,
Kayden A. Washington,
Giovanna Barbera,
Da-Ting Lin
Affiliations
Nicholas J. Beacher
Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States; Corresponding author.
Jessica Y. Kuo
Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
Miranda Targum
Penn Memory Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Michael Wang
Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
Kayden A. Washington
The Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
Giovanna Barbera
Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
Da-Ting Lin
Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
In this procedure we have included an open-source method for a customized operant chamber optimized for long-term miniature microscope (miniscope) recordings. • The miniscope box is designed to function with custom or typical med-associates style accessories (e.g., houselights, levers, etc.). • The majority of parts can be directly purchased which minimizes the need for skilled and time-consuming labor. • We include designs and estimated pricing for a single box but it is recommended to build these in larger batches to efficiently utilize bulk ordering of certain components.
