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

doi:10.1016/j.mex.2024.102721

A modular, cost-effective, versatile, open-source operant box solution for long-term miniscope imaging, 3D tracking, and deep learning behavioral analysis

MethodsX. 2024 Apr 16:12:102721. doi: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102721. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Authors

Nicholas J Beacher¹, Jessica Y Kuo¹, Miranda Targum², Michael Wang¹, Kayden A Washington³, Giovanna Barbera¹, Da-Ting Lin¹

Affiliations

¹ Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
² Penn Memory Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
³ The Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Custom; Imaging; Miniscope; Operant; Rats; The Miniscope Box.