Rationale and vision
Principles underlying our research
Delta Phenomics integrates the best of various disciplines: Behavioral Neuroscience, Ethology and Information Technology to provide you a most sensitive and biological relevant instrument for your research.
The scientific approach of Delta Phenomics is strongly inspired by Ethology and Behavioural Pharmacology. Validity of behavioral testing depends strongly on the research question(s) and the interpretation of obtained data. Therefore, we clearly distinguish between tests which allow a functional interpretation of occuring behaviors and tests which answer a limited but clear question, for example behavior as a discrete read out parameter in a bioassay. The latter for instance encompass open fields and elevated plus mazes which are valid for studies on dose response relationships or other pharmacological questions.
For a functional interpretation of changes in behavior we define a more extensive ethogram describing all occurring behavior and prefer continuous observations using a biological relevant context. Continuous observations allow the analysis of the sequential organization of behavior and a relevant context implies that various read out parameters are scored. In this way, we aim to address all underlying motivational systems that are possibly involved in different behaviors. For instance, in order to disentangle the interaction between activity, cognition and anxiety, it is important to measure parameters specific for each of these behavioral systems.
In more functional tests we distinguish complementary specific tests: (I) in which either the animals have little degrees of freedom and are forced to perform in certain direction (e.g. Morris maze) or (II) in which under more open circumstances animals may show behaviors which are not obscured by dominating stimuli (novelty or other aversive conditions) such as in the home cage. For instance for neuropathic pain or unexpected side effects the latter approach, which gives more chance that spontaneous behavior will occur, is appropriate.
The more laborious conditions associated with ethological procedures have prompted us to embrace automation of various behavioral tests when possible. Hereby, we aim to obtain more precise and objective results, providing a benefit from the more standard ethological procedure in research. We also use these principles in the design of experiments, for example by testing under reversed day-night cycle in rodents, collecting data in such a way that rhytmicity can be seen if required and testing under slight enriched (or ecological valid) conditions.
In our track record you will find papers on play behavior and
social behavior, appetitive and consummatory aspects of behavior
and the use of social defeat as an animal model for depression.