Computer automated movement detection for the analysis of behavior.

摘要: Currently, measuring ethanol behaviors in flies depends on expensive image analysis software or time intensive experimental observation. We have designed an automated system for the collection and of locomotor behavior data, using IEEE 1394 acquisition program dvgrab, toolkit ImageMagick programming language Perl. In proposed method, are placed a clear container computer-controlled camera takes pictures at regular intervals. Digital subtraction removes background non-moving flies, leaving white pixels where movement has occurred. These tallied, giving value that corresponds to number animals moved between images. Perl scripts automate these processes, allowing compatibility with high-throughput genetic screens. Four experiments demonstrate utility this first showing heat-induced changes, second tolerance climbing assay, third by scoring recovery individual fourth mouse's preference novel object. Our lab will use method conduct screen ethanol-induced hyperactivity sedation, however, it could also be used analyze any organism.