Novel Object Recognition
Modular acrylic chamber system for conducting novel object recognition memory tests in mice and rats, featuring removable components and configurable layouts for standardized behavioral protocols.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Neuroscience · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Novel Object Recognition fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
Already working with us? Sign in to connect this with My Scientist.
The Novel Object Recognition (NOR) apparatus provides a standardized platform for assessing recognition memory and learning capacity in rodent models. This behavioral testing system consists of modular acrylic chambers that can be configured for individual or group testing protocols. The apparatus supports both mouse and rat studies through adjustable chamber configurations with included separators for creating individual testing environments.
The system features removable bases and wall inserts constructed from odorless acrylic with a matte finish to minimize visual reflections that could influence animal behavior. The apparatus enables researchers to conduct standardized NOR protocols for evaluating hippocampal-dependent memory processes, cognitive function, and the effects of experimental interventions on recognition memory performance.
How It Works
The novel object recognition test exploits rodents' natural tendency to explore novel stimuli more than familiar ones. During the protocol, animals are first habituated to the testing chamber, then exposed to two identical objects during a familiarization phase. After a retention interval, one familiar object is replaced with a novel object, and exploration times are recorded to calculate a discrimination index.
The behavioral paradigm relies on spontaneous exploratory behavior without requiring food restriction or external motivation. Memory performance is quantified by measuring the time spent exploring the novel versus familiar object, with greater novel object exploration indicating successful recognition memory. The standardized chamber dimensions and controlled environment minimize spatial cues and environmental variables that could confound memory assessment.
The modular design allows researchers to conduct multiple simultaneous trials or adjust chamber configurations based on experimental requirements. The removable base facilitates thorough cleaning between subjects to eliminate olfactory cues that could influence subsequent animal behavior.
Features & Benefits
Set of
- Set of four
- Set of one
warranty_length
- 1 YEAR
storage_included
- Yes
assembly_required
- Yes
Set of
- Set of four
- Set of one
Color
- Black
- Blue
- Clear
- Grey
- White
Behavioral Construct
- Recognition Memory
- Declarative Memory
- Episodic Memory
- Object Discrimination
- Exploratory Behavior
- Hippocampal Memory
Automation Level
- manual
Research Domain
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Weight
- 6.06 kg
Dimensions
- L: 65.0 mm
- W: 36.0 mm
- H: 27.0 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamber Material | Odorless acrylic with matte finish | Standard acrylic or wire mesh construction | Eliminates chemical odors and visual reflections that could influence animal behavior during testing |
| Chamber Configuration | Modular system with removable separators | Fixed single chamber or permanent multi-chamber designs | Allows researchers to adapt chamber layout based on experimental requirements and throughput needs |
| Cleaning Protocol | 70% ethanol compatible with removable base | Limited cleaning options with fixed components | Enables thorough sanitization between subjects to prevent olfactory contamination |
| Species Compatibility | Dedicated mouse and rat size configurations | One-size-fits-all approach | Provides appropriately scaled environments for each species to ensure optimal behavioral expression |
| Assembly Options | Set of four wall inserts with separator system | Pre-assembled fixed configurations | Offers flexibility for different experimental designs while maintaining standardized dimensions |
This novel object recognition apparatus provides a versatile acrylic chamber system with species-specific sizing and modular components. The odorless, matte-finish construction and removable base design facilitate standardized behavioral protocols with reliable cleaning procedures.
Practical Tips
Conduct testing during the animal's active period (dark cycle for nocturnal rodents) to maximize exploratory behavior.
Why: Natural circadian rhythms significantly influence activity levels and exploration motivation
Clean chamber components with 70% ethanol between each subject and allow complete drying before the next animal.
Why: Residual odors from previous subjects can influence exploration patterns and confound memory assessment
Validate object placement consistency using marked positions and measure exploration zones before each testing session.
Why: Consistent object positioning ensures reliable spatial cues and reduces variability between trials
Record exploration behavior from directly above the chamber to minimize angle-related measurement errors.
Why: Overhead recording provides accurate assessment of nose-to-object proximity and exploration duration
If animals show location bias, rotate object positions between trials and include control sessions with identical objects.
Why: Location preferences can mask true recognition memory and lead to false positive results
Ensure objects are too large to be ingested and have no sharp edges that could injure animals during exploration.
Why: Animal safety takes precedence and object-related injuries can terminate experiments prematurely
Allow 24-48 hours between repeated testing sessions on the same animal to prevent habituation to the testing procedure.
Why: Repeated exposure to the testing environment can reduce exploratory motivation and affect memory performance
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Acrylic testing chamber components
- Set of four wall inserts
- One removable base
- Chamber separators for individual testing
- Assembly hardware
- User manual and protocol guide (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a 1-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for setup and protocol optimization.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What is the Novel Object Recognition test?
The Novel Object Recognition test measures recognition memory in rodents. Animals are presented with two identical objects, then one is replaced with a novel object. Preferential exploration of the novel object indicates intact recognition memory.
How does the Novel Object Recognition test work?
In the sample phase, a rodent explores two identical objects. After a delay, one object is replaced with a novel one. The discrimination ratio - time exploring novel versus familiar object - quantifies recognition memory.
What research applications use the Novel Object Recognition test?
NOR is used for non-spatial memory assessment in dementia research, cognitive aging studies, and drug screening. It requires no training or food deprivation, making it a rapid and humane cognitive test.
Have a question about this product?
Accessories
Enhance your setup with compatible accessories
Frequently Bought Together
