Close

Liquid reward delivery!

A project log for FORCE - Force Output of Rodent Calibrated Effort

This dual-force cell monitor and reward dispenser is used to run rodent operant behavior in which animals learn to work for rewards.

bridgetmatikainen-ankneybridget.matikainen-ankney 04/12/2019 at 18:550 Comments

Using the new PCBs, we're now able to deliver ~40 uL of 5% sucrose in a trial-based design. During a trial period, a tone plays. If, during this period, the active lever is pressed hard enough to break (a user-defined) criteria, a reward is dispensed. If the active lever is pressed not during the trial period, or the inactive lever is pressed, no reward is dispensed. BNC cables transmit continuous analog data for each lever, as well as trial-duration and reward-dispensed digital signals. We designed a removable cover for easy access to the PCB and force cells/amps. Now, on to multiple-subject behavioral testing!

Discussions