Animal Behavior Assessment Unit, University of Rochester Medical Center

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Animal Behavior Assessment Unit

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For ABAU usage inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Troy Zarcone
Box EHSC; Room G-6835
585-273-3987

For all other inquiries, please contact:

Katherine Bachmann
Box EHSC; Room G-6833
585-275-3792

Animal Behavior Assessment Unit

Objective

The Animal Behavior Assessment Unit (ABAU) of the Department of Environmental Medicine provides state-of-the-art equipment and expertise necessary for the design and interpretation of animal behavior experiments assessing sensory, motor and cognitive functioning.

Our goal is to assist investigators to apply neurobehavioral assessments to their research. Established techniques can be incorporated into current projects, or, when none prove suitable, our staff will help design, develop, and implement new behavioral techniques. These new techniques will then be documented and added to the core's repertoire and made available to other scientists. Unit faculty will serve as collaborators on new projects, providing advice and helping to collect pilot data for anticipated grant submissions.

Behavioral Biology

Behavioral changes often reflect direct or indirect effects of independent variables such as neurochemical agents, neurotoxicants, immunotoxicants, and hormonally-active substances. Such changes, in addition to their intrinsic importance, may also indicate the mechanisms responsible for the behavioral abnormalities as well as those responsible for normal functioning.

However, caution is warranted in interpreting behavioral results. There may be unrelated or preexisting conditions that may affect the behavioral endpoint. These issues have become even more relevant with the increased use of genetically modified mice, many of which have unique pre-existing behavioral phenotypes. Consultations about such issues will help ensure the success of research using functional behavioral endpoints, and frequently lead to active collaborations between scientists.

Looking for a guest speaker?

Dr. Troy Zarcone is currently available for guest lectures and presentations at events. If you are interested in having him talk at your event, please e-mail Dr. Zarcone.