About Us

 

IMM Neuroscience Behavioral Core Introduction

Welcome to the UTHealth Houston IMM Neuroscience Behavioral Core. Our Core is dedicated to advancing research in the field of neuroscience by providing cutting-edge tools and resources for studying mouse behavior. Mouse behavioral research is a crucial model for understanding brain function, as well as the immune and nervous systems.

Research Focus and Mission

Our mission is to provide a collaborative platform for researchers to investigate how the brain controls behavior and explore the impact of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), anxiety disorders, sleep disorders. By using advanced behavioral testing equipment, we support both basic and translational neuroscience research, driving progress in the field of neuroscience.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Equipment

The center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including:

• Automated Behavioral Tracking Systems: We offer the most advanced visual tracking and image analysis system, Any-maze, which is adaptable to any maze and allows for precise observation and analysis of mouse movements, social interactions, and cognitive functions.
• Behavioral Testing Equipment: Our center provides various testing environments to assess behaviors such as learning and memory, anxiety, pain perception, and more.
• Advanced Data Analysis Software: Researchers can efficiently analyze behavioral data and extract meaningful scientific conclusions.
• Stimuli and Recording Systems Used in Behavioral Testing: We provide systems such as optogenetics, EEG/EMG, and fiber photometry, offering comprehensive experimental support to help researchers analyze animal behavior, neural activity, and the relationship between behavior and physiological changes.

Training and Collaboration Opportunities

We encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and offer training programs and workshops on behavioral testing techniques and the use of our equipment. The center is open to researchers from various fields, including neurobiology, psychology, pharmacology, and more, providing opportunities for collaborative research.

At the Neuroscience Behavioral Core, we strive to be at the forefront of neuroscience research, providing key resources to explore the complexities of the brain. We warmly invite researchers from across the institution to utilize our facilities and work together to advance neuroscience research.