(Newswire.net — September 28, 2017) — Recently, MazeEngineers has announced a rich batch of useful accessories that will help in the furthering of scientific research. These new accessories are in the category of the top must have laboratory equipment and represent the next step in enhancing the original Morris water maze.
For those that aren’t as familiar as they would like to be with the Morris Water Maze (MWM), it is a water (or milk) tank which is used in modern neuroscience research. Based on studies related to spatial learning in rodents as well as memory research, this maze is one of the best available tools at the moment for this kind of practice.
The way in which it works is quite simple, as the olfactory “deterrents” are pushed aside with the help of the water or milk which is used in the tank. This makes the rodents involved in the research very predisposed to movement. Additionally, allocentric cues are also no longer a concern due to the maze’s smooth inner layers and texture.
Star Maze
In order to make sure that it will pass the test of time and remain durable all throughout the user’s research and experiments, the star in the MWM Star Maze is manufactured out of stainless steel. The new star maze comes with the great benefit of being made to fit your original Morris water maze. This means that not only will you be able to use the original water maze in association with the external boundary of the star maze task, but you will also be able to keep the original Morris water maze as intended, so there’s no compromise.
Spatial Beacons
Great for research involving non-strictly spatial strategic navigation, the spatial beacons help with the development or observation of a navigational beacon guidance strategy in rodents. The accessory contains four spatial beacons which are suspended above the water by 25 cm, and involves a hidden platform which can have its position both altered and pinned through clever use of rotation in relation to the center radius.
Radial Arm Inserts
The new radial arm inserts are available in multiple dimensions and specifications so that users are able to efficiently use the accessory instead of having to adapt. They are given the tools in order to make everything fit perfectly.
There are 4 arm inserts, 6 arm inserts and of course, 8 arm inserts. All three options come with three sub-options of small, medium and large dimensions, ranging from 4 feet to 6 feet. There is also a very wide range of prices, making it very affordable for research teams to make use of these accessories. The smallest 4 arm insert will cost $1200 whereas the largest 8 arm insert will cost $2400.
Release Device
Upon being inserted into the MWM, rats and mice can be blinded to navigation cues with the help of the release device, which is available in the form of a 2-pack. Since not all researchers will use the same animals, sizes for both rats and mice are available.
Straight Swim Channel
The new straight swim channel comes available in both half-length and full length versions, and represents a training tool for rodents which can be used in training them to swim straight. The provided channel is used to only supplement straight swimming and to train the rodents in reaching the target area. The tool also comes with an escape platform which placed in a raised position. In relation to the pool, the platform is regularly seen at the end of the straight swimming channel.
About MazeEngineers
MazeEngineers is providing neurobehavioral technology to automate research.
MazeEngineers
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
United States
(707) 474-8426