In the landscape of behavioral neuroscience, the Light/Dark Box Test remains a cornerstone assay for assessing anxiety-like behaviors in rodents. Traditionally, researchers have relied on simple metrics such as total time spent in the light or number of crossings between compartments.

However, as experimental models grow increasingly sophisticated—and as cross-study reproducibility becomes more critical—standardized, percentage-based metrics like Dark Side Time Percentage are rising in importance.

At Conduct Science, we advocate for smarter, more comparable data practices. Measuring time spent in the dark compartment as a percentage of total trial duration creates a universal, easily interpretable gauge of anxiety-related behavior. It also enhances sensitivity in detecting subtle treatment effects or genetic phenotypes.