Y-Maze IR for Rats
A simple Y-shape design provides rodents with a single choice point with only two alternatives. Widely used to measure preference and spatial memory and learning tasks in laboratory animals.
High quality maze with rat and mouse versions. Provides optimal results with video tracking software (high contrast, non reflective). Surface texture selected for rodent comfort. Easy to set up, easy to clean.
In behavioral science, a Y-maze (or the variant T-maze) is a simple maze used in animal cognition experiments. It is shaped like the letter Y (or T), providing the subject, typically a rodent, with a straightforward choice. Y-mazes are used to study how the rodents function with memory and spatial learning through applying various stimuli. The different tasks, such as left-right discrimination and forced alternation, are mainly used with rodents to test reference and working memory.
In a range of various mazes of differing sizes and many shapes, the T-maze is one of the most simple, consisting of just two turns - right or left. The maze is only able to be altered by blocking one of the two paths.
Background
- Animals learn to alternate between arms based on their memory of the previously visited arms or choose an arm based on the reward presented.
Durable, optimized for video tracking and rodent comfort
- High quality, easy to assemble. All materials are selected to be sturdy for reliability and durability.
- Engineered by Ugo Basile to optimize video tracking success through our use of high contrast, non-reflective surfaces:
- Selection of high-contrast colors for optimal motion tracking: grey, white, black, (Ugo Basile) light-blue or custom.
- Use of non-reflective, anti-glare surface. Reflections and glare are a common source of error in video tracking. We avoid this!
- Perspex walls fit solidly in the slotted metal base, but can be easily and quickly detached for easy cleaning and storage.
- An optional movable door is available, to close one arm when needed.
- Two sizes are available, for either mice or rats. The mouse Y-Maze has arms that are 35cm long, 5cm wide and 15cm tall. The rat model has arms that are 50cm long, with a 10cm width and a 20cm height. Different wall heights are available on request.
Feature & Benefit of Y-Maze IR for Rats
- High-contrast colors give optimal results with any Video-Tracking software
- Non-reflecting surface guarantees optimal camera view and no glare
- Available in grey (standard), blue, white, black, custom color
- Reasonably rough “warm” surface texture, selected for best rodent comfort, non-slippery
- Reliable and durable mazes, easy to clean and store