Overview
The Neuwirth Hole Board Testā¢ expands on the conventional rodent Hole Board test to study both anxiety-like behaviors and exploratory behaviors across different ages, strains, and sexes of rodents.
By incorporating spatial odor discrimination cues, this apparatus enables researchers to assess exploratory drive, learning, and memory in addition to fear and escape responses. The test runs over a two-day protocol:
Day 1 ā measures anxiety-like behaviors in a novel environment (freezing, head poke latency, frequency).
Day 2 ā introduces olfactory cues at the corners, encouraging exploration and allowing measurement of inhibitory shift (avoidance ā approach behaviors).
Ā
Market Opportunity
Traditional Hole Board tests often conflate exploratory drive with anxiety behaviors. The Neuwirth adaptation offers:
Clearer separation of anxiety vs. exploration over a two-day paradigm.
Ability to detect developmental, sex, and strain-specific differences.
Expanded applications in pharmacology, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurotoxicology.
Compatibility with disease models where GABAergic dysfunction, anxiety, or cognitive deficits are expected.
spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and age-related cognitive decline.
Offering flexibility for both academic research and translational neuroscience applications.
Ā
Invention & Advantages
Three-dimensional design
Incorporates vertical columns below the main chamber to test spatial distance perception.
Multisensory engagement
Stimuli presented below activate visual, auditory, and olfactory modalities.
Supports multiple paradigms
Accommodates both spontaneous exploration and operant conditioning tasks.
Species adaptable
Available in configurations for both rats and mice.
Naturalistic context
Mimics the layered environments rodents encounter in the wild.
Highly modular
Customizable with levers, lights, pellet dispensers, and guillotine doors.
Applications
Spontaneous Exploration Tests
Rats freely explore the 3D arena while conspecifics are presented at varying distances.
Assesses preferences based on social novelty (familiar vs unfamiliar) and spatial distance.
Operant Conditioning Tasks
Rats are trained to respond to specific spatial-social configurations for rewards.
Enables testing of learning, memory, and multisensory integration.
Data Collection Parameters
Discrimination ratios for sociability and social novelty.
Time allocation to vertical exploration.
Impact of spatial distance on behavior.
Operant performance measures (accuracy, latency).
Principal Investigator
Rebecca Burwell, PhD
Professor of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Studies
Brown University [email protected]
Contact
Neil Veloso
Executive Director, Brown Technology Innovations ā [email protected]
References
Wise TB, Templer VL, Burwell RD. The 3D Vertical Maze: A new model system for studying the interactions between social and spatial cognition
J Neurosci Methods. 2025 Jun;418:110414. doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2025.110414. Epub 2025 Feb 28. PMID: 40024460.
Price & Dimensions
Rat Vertical Maze ā $4,990
- Opaque acrylic 3-chamber testing platform (90Ć50Ć60ācm)
- Two vertical columns (30Ć50Ć90 cm each)
- Interchangeable acrylic or perforated flooring
- Optional add-ons: automated lever, pellet dispenser, guillotine door, lights, speakers
Mouse Vertical Maze ā $3,990
- Opaque acrylic 3-chamber testing platform (63Ć35Ć48ācm)
- Two vertical columns (21Ć35Ć63 cm each)
- Interchangeable flooring options
- Optional add-ons: operant conditioning hardware
Interested in bringing your innovation to life?
Our Tech Transfer program partners with scientists to commercialize cutting-edge neuroscience tools. If youāre an inventor or would like more information on any of the mazes, weād love to hear from you