This productStandard
Zero Maze
Elevated circular annulus with alternating open and enclosed quadrants
continuous open-versus-closed exploration without the center-zone ambiguity of plus-maze designs.
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Zero Maze
SKU CS-958390
$2,290.00
IncludesStandard care
Elevated circular behavioral apparatus for anxiety assessment and exploratory behavior testing in mice and rats, featuring non-reflective acrylic construction and easy cleaning protocols.
CE MarkedBAA available
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Mouse, Rat
- SKU family
- CS-958390
- Sizing
- 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Anxiety & Depression Tests
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The Zero Maze is a behavioral testing apparatus designed for assessment of anxiety-related behaviors and exploratory activity in rodents. Constructed from non-reflective matted acrylic, this elevated circular platform provides an alternative to the elevated plus maze for measuring thigmotactic behavior.
The Elevated Zero Maze is an elevated ring-shaped runway with the same amount of area devoted to adjacent open and closed quadrants. It is very similar to the elevated plus maze, but with the center region of the elevated plus maze removed. It has been pharmacologically validated with various anxiolytic drugs.
The design is created with an elevated circular platform with two walled, enclosed portions as well as two open portions, allowing for clear interpretations of murine behavior. Because mice tend to avoid open-spaced areas, the animals will preferentially spend more time in the enclosed walled area.
Our Zero Maze is compatible with all major video tracking and analysis packages including our complete tracking and analysis package ConductVision, Noldus Ethovision XT, and ANY-Maze.
How It Works
The Zero Maze operates on the principle of approach-avoidance conflict, where rodents exhibit natural thigmotactic behavior (preference for wall contact) when placed in an elevated, partially exposed environment. The circular design creates alternating open and closed sections, with animals typically spending more time in closed areas that provide wall contact and shelter.
Anxiety levels are quantified by measuring the ratio of time spent in open versus closed sections, along with entries into open areas and overall locomotor activity. The elevated position (40cm height) adds an aversive component that enhances the anxiety-provoking nature of the open sections. Unlike traditional plus maze designs, the continuous circular pathway eliminates the central square, preventing animals from remaining in a neutral zone and forcing choice behaviors between protected and exposed areas.
Features & Benefits
Non-reflective matted acrylic construction
Eliminates visual artifacts and light reflections that could confound behavioral responses or interfere with video tracking systems.
Odorless material composition
Prevents olfactory cues from influencing animal behavior, ensuring consistent baseline conditions across test sessions.
Species-specific sizing
Optimized dimensions for mouse and rat models provide appropriate spatial scaling for natural exploratory behaviors.
40cm wall height
Standardized elevation creates consistent aversive stimulus while preventing animal escape during testing procedures.
Circular continuous pathway
Eliminates center square effects found in plus maze designs, forcing active choice behaviors between open and closed areas.
Easy ethanol cleaning protocol
Rapid decontamination between subjects using standard 70% ethanol maintains hygienic conditions and prevents cross-contamination.
Available color options
Multiple color choices (black, blue, clear, grey, white) allow optimization for video contrast and tracking system compatibility.
Door modification options
Customizable door configurations enable protocol variations and specialized experimental designs requiring controlled access points.
Weight
- 6.06 kg
Dimensions
- L: 65.0 mm
- W: 36.0 mm
- H: 27.0 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Design | Continuous circular pathway without center square | Plus maze designs often include central neutral zones | Forces active choice behaviors between protected and exposed areas without neutral zone dwelling. |
| Construction Material | Non-reflective matted acrylic | Standard acrylic or plastic materials may have reflective surfaces | Prevents light artifacts and visual disturbances that could confound behavioral responses. |
| Species Configurations | Dedicated mouse and rat sizing with optimized entry dimensions | Single-size designs may not optimize spatial scaling | Species-appropriate dimensions ensure natural exploratory behaviors and consistent anxiety responses. |
| Color Options | Five color choices including black, blue, clear, grey, and white | Limited color options in standard models | Enables optimization for video contrast and tracking system compatibility across different laboratory setups. |
| Customization Options | Door modifications and additional wall height available | Fixed configurations limit protocol flexibility | Allows protocol customization for specialized experimental designs and research requirements. |
| Cleaning Protocol | Easy cleaning with standard 70% ethanol | Some materials require specialized cleaning agents | Simple decontamination procedures maintain consistent baseline conditions between test sessions. |
The Zero Maze offers a continuous circular design that eliminates center square effects while providing species-specific sizing and customization options. The non-reflective matted acrylic construction with multiple color choices optimizes video tracking compatibility and reduces environmental confounds.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | CS-958390 | $2,290.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
| Mouse | CS-958390 | $1,890.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
| Product model | CS-958390 | $2,290.00 | Available | 78.74 x 40.64 x 22.86 cm |
Neuroscience
Assessment of anxiety-like behaviors by measuring time spent in open versus closed arms of the elevated circular platform.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Evaluation of anxiolytic and anxiogenic drug effects on exploratory behavior and thigmotactic responses.
Learning and Memory
Investigation of spatial navigation patterns and exploration strategies in anxiety-provoking environments.
Anxiety and Depression
Phenotypic characterization of transgenic animal models for anxiety disorders and stress-related behaviors.
Addiction Research
Assessment of withdrawal-induced anxiety behaviors and stress responses in substance dependence models.
Neurodegeneration
Monitoring anxiety-related behavioral changes in neurodegenerative disease models throughout disease progression.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Verify platform height at 40cm and ensure level positioning before each testing session.
Why: Consistent elevation maintains the aversive stimulus necessary for anxiety-related behavioral responses.
Maintenance
Inspect acrylic surfaces for scratches or damage that could create visual artifacts during video tracking.
Why: Surface imperfections can interfere with automated behavioral analysis and introduce measurement variability.
Best Practices
Allow 30-60 minutes for animal acclimation to the testing room environment before behavioral assessment.
Why: Adequate acclimation reduces stress-related confounds and improves baseline behavioral consistency.
Data Quality
Position video cameras directly overhead to capture the entire circular pathway without blind spots.
Why: Complete visual coverage ensures accurate tracking of transitions between open and closed sections.
Troubleshooting
If animals show excessive freezing behavior, reduce ambient lighting or provide longer acclimation periods.
Why: Excessive fear responses can mask subtle anxiety-related behaviors and reduce protocol sensitivity.
Safety
Monitor animals continuously during testing to prevent falls and ensure immediate intervention if needed.
Why: The elevated platform requires safety oversight to protect animal welfare during behavioral assessment.
Best Practices
Randomize the starting position within closed sections to prevent position bias effects.
Why: Consistent starting positions can create learned associations that confound natural exploratory patterns.
Maintenance
Store the apparatus in a dust-free environment and cover when not in use to maintain surface clarity.
Why: Clean surfaces are essential for accurate video tracking and consistent visual conditions across test sessions.
Setup Guide
Assembly and Positioning
Assemble the circular platform at 40cm elevation in a quiet testing room with consistent lighting conditions.
Environmental Control
Ensure room temperature is maintained at 22-24°C with minimal background noise and visual distractions.
Camera Setup
Position video recording equipment to capture the entire maze area from above for behavioral tracking analysis.
Pre-test Cleaning
Clean all surfaces thoroughly with 70% ethanol and allow to air dry completely before each testing session.
Acclimation Period
Allow animals to acclimate to the testing room for 30-60 minutes prior to behavioral assessment.
Subject Placement
Place the animal in a closed section facing away from the open area to begin the testing session.
Data Collection
Record behavioral parameters including time spent in open/closed sections, entries, and locomotor activity patterns.
What’s in the Box
- Zero Maze platform assembly (typical)
- Wall sections and barriers (typical)
- Assembly hardware and mounting brackets (typical)
- User manual with protocol guidelines (typical)
- Cleaning and maintenance instructions (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support available for protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
Compliance
ARRIVE GuidelinesCommonly referenced in behavioral neuroscience studies using standardized anxiety testing protocols with the Zero Maze apparatus.
NIH Guidelines for Animal ResearchSupports animal welfare standards for behavioral testing through standardized protocols and minimal stress procedures.
IACUC Protocol StandardsDesign features facilitate compliance with institutional animal care protocols for anxiety behavior assessment studies.
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
1.Alicia A. Walf et al. (2007) “The use of the elevated plus maze as an assay of anxiety-related behavior in rodents” Nature Protocols doi:10.1038/nprot.2007.44
2.Ann-Katrin Kraeuter et al. (2018) “The Elevated Plus Maze Test for Measuring Anxiety-Like Behavior in Rodents” Methods in molecular biology doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-8994-2_4
3.Norberto Cysne Coimbra et al. (2017) “Critical neuropsychobiological analysis of panic attack- and anticipatory anxiety-like behaviors in rodents confronted with snakes in polygonal arenas and complex labyrinths: a comparison to the elevated plus- and T-maze behavioral tests” Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2015-1895
4.Rafael Cicconi Arantes et al. (2013) “Mathematical methods to model rodent behavior in the elevated plus-maze” Journal of Neuroscience Methods doi:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2013.04.022
Q
What is the Zero Maze?
A
The Zero Maze (Elevated Zero Maze) is a circular variation of the Elevated Plus Maze, eliminating the ambiguous center zone. It consists of alternating open and enclosed quadrants arranged on a circular elevated track.
Q
How does the Zero Maze work?
A
Rodents freely explore the circular track divided into two open and two enclosed quadrants. Time spent in open versus enclosed sections measures anxiety-like behavior, with the circular design removing the center-square scoring ambiguity of the plus maze.
Q
What research applications use the Zero Maze?
A
The Zero Maze provides an unambiguous measure of anxiety-like behavior for anxiolytic drug screening. Its continuous design eliminates center-dwell artifacts, making it preferred for precise anxiety quantification in pharmacological studies.
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Accessories
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The complete Zero Maze workflow
Track behavior
Automate open-zone time, latency, zone occupancy, path order, and event timing for Zero Maze studies.
ConductVision Zero Maze ->Run protocol
Stepwise anxiety-like exploration setup, trial timing, exclusion rules, and reporting checkpoints.
ConductMaze Zero Maze Protocol ->Analyze output
Summarize open-zone time, group differences, and quality-control flags before export.
Zero Maze Calculator ->Configuration considerations
Common Zero Maze setup decisions
Use these notes to scope species, cohort, tracking, and automation needs. Only verified product or support routes are linked from this section.
BuyableScaled option
Zero Maze Species Variant
Mouse, rat, aquatic, insect, or large-animal scaling as appropriate
Use species-specific dimensions and lighting so the apparatus tests the intended construct instead of body size, visibility, or handling tolerance.
Quote
View options ->SpecialtyAutomation
Zero Maze With Tracking
Camera, gates, sensors, cue control, or event logging as required
Best when the protocol needs reproducible timing, high-throughput scoring, or defensible endpoint extraction across cohorts.
Quote
Configure tracking ->§ 1
Introduction
The Zero Maze is a anxiety assay built around continuous open-versus-closed exploration without the center-zone ambiguity of plus-maze designs. Interpretable data depend on matching the apparatus geometry, subject species, trial structure, and scoring rules to the behavioral construct under study. 1
Anxiety-like exploration protocols depend on stable geometry, consistent trial timing, and pre-defined scoring rules. Without those controls, open-zone time can be shifted by motivation, locomotion, light level, odor, cue salience, or handling rather than the intended behavioral construct. 1
This methods section summarizes setup, endpoint definitions, common confounds, sample output, adjacent assays, and reporting details needed to evaluate Zero Maze results alongside the product specifications. 1
§ 2
Methods
2.1 Procedure
Anxiety-like exploration with standardized setup, trial timing, and endpoint extraction.
Pre-test setup
- 1.Define construct: Pre-register whether the study uses Zero Maze for anxiety behavior, screening, cohort comparison, or apparatus validation.
- 2.Calibrate apparatus: Verify elevated circular annulus with alternating open and enclosed quadrants, visibility, lighting, surface condition, cue placement, and camera field of view before animals enter the room.
- 3.Set scoring rules: Define open-zone time, omissions, exclusions, latency cutoffs, and event thresholds before acquisition starts.
- 4.Control carryover: Use consistent cleaning, handling, acclimation, and inter-trial timing so odor, stress, and fatigue do not become hidden treatment variables.
Trial sequence
- 1.Start trial: Place the subject at the protocol-defined start location and begin synchronized video or event logging.
- 2.Record behavior: Capture open-zone time, path order, latency, dwell time, and relevant zone or arm events throughout the trial.1
- 3.Apply endpoint rules: Score only committed entries or events that meet the pre-defined body-position and timing criteria.
- 4.End and reset: Stop at the maximum duration, completion criterion, or humane endpoint, then clean and reset the apparatus.
- 5.Export QC: Review tracking loss, outlier latency, immobility, omissions, and apparatus notes before group-level analysis.
Critical methodological constraints
- Lighting. Document lighting because it can shift open-zone time independent of the intended construct.
- Height exposure. Keep height exposure stable across cohorts and sessions.
- Locomotor activity. Audit locomotor activity before interpreting group differences.
- Edge risk. Report edge risk when it changes engagement, exploration, or measurable trial completion.
- Center-free geometry. Flag center-free geometry during QA because it often explains apparent assay failure.2
2.2 Measurement & Analysis
Core Zero Maze endpoints for behavioral interpretation and apparatus quality control.
Open-zone time
Anxiety-like exploration
Open-zone time is the primary endpoint for this page and should be paired with latency and quality-control flags.1
Entry latency
Latency and initiation
Entry latency helps distinguish task performance from motivation, freezing, fatigue, or handling effects.
Transition count
Spatial or zone strategy
Transition count captures how the subject solved the task, not only whether it reached the endpoint.
Freezing time
Engagement control
Freezing time identifies omissions, low exploration, sensor dropouts, or species-specific non-response.
Falls or tracking loss
Quality-control flag
Falls or tracking loss should be reviewed before exporting final group summaries.
+ Additional metrics: trial duration, zone dwell, event count, path efficiency, tracking confidence, exclusions, and session-level notes.
2.3 open-zone time ratio (analysis)
A compact percentage summary for Zero Maze output.
§ 3
Results
PubMed publication counts, sample apparatus output, and recent papers from a dated PubMed snapshot.
3.1 Publication trends
PubMed volume and co-occurring behavioral methods for Zero Maze studies.
3.2 Sample apparatus output
Representative Zero Maze output for methods review and endpoint interpretation.
3.3 Recent findings (PubMed)
- Sep 2026PMID: 42759908
Heterospecific play, or rat tickling, enhances positive affect towards humans without altering anxiety-related behaviors in female and male Sprague Dawley rats.
Paranzino EE, Poshni AA, Kaufman MN, et al.. Physiol Behav. 2026 Sep 18.
Rodent handling methods influence stress, affective state, and behavior in laboratory rodents, which can decrease, but also potentially increase, unwanted variability in outcome measures.
- Sep 2026PMID: 42661398
Dietary Intervention With Lutein, Docosahexaenoic Acid, and Choline During Early Development Improves Recognition Memory in Young Adult Females in an Experimental Model.
Saschin L, Fink G, Wohlfarth M, et al.. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2026 Sep.
The perinatal period and adolescence are critical for brain development, with nutrition being a crucial factor. Dietary intake of lutein, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and choline is positively associated with early neurodevelopment and cognitive function, but interactions remain unclear.
- Jul 2026PMID: 42501137
Octreotide Attenuates Anxiety-Like Behaviors and Cognitive Deficits in a Rat Model of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Motamedy S, Meftahi GH. Neurochem Res. 2026 Jul 25.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a long-lasting mental health condition characterized by persistent intrusive recollections, avoidance behaviors, mood and cognitive alterations, heightened arousal, and significant cognitive deficits, often accompanied by hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation a…
- Jul 2026PMID: 41765243
The mechanism of depression and anxiety in adulthood after experiencing early adverse experiences: A new two-hit model of depression.
Gong Z, Yang J, Wang Y, et al.. J Affect Disord. 2026 Jul 15.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase susceptibility to depression and anxiety disorders in adulthood.
- Jun 2026PMID: 41876046
Probiotics reverse prenatal stress-induced anxiety and memory impairment in rats through gut-hippocampus axis regulation.
Bidgoli FA, Salami M, Mirzaei H, et al.. Brain Res Bull. 2026 Jun 1.
Prenatal stress is a significant risk factor that can lead to neurobehavioral deficits in offspring. In the present study, we examined the effects of a probiotic mixture on anxiety, memory, and underlying possible molecular pathways in prenatally stressed rats.
- Jun 2026PMID: 41833782
Prenatal immune challenge and perinatal high-fat/high-sugar diet: a double-hit model of neurodevelopmental vulnerability.
Sal-Sarria S, Conejo NM, González-Mateos C, et al.. Physiol Behav. 2026 Jun 1.
Early-life environmental insults such as maternal immune activation (MIA) and Western diets are major risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, little is known about how these factors interact to shape brain metabolism and behavior in adulthood.
§ 4
Discussion
Limitations of the paradigm, methodological caveats, and current directions.
4.1 Common confounds
Variables that can shift Zero Maze results apart from the effect under study.
Lighting
Lighting can change apparent Zero Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct. Control it in setup and report it in methods.
Height exposure
Height exposure can change apparent Zero Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct. Control it in setup and report it in methods.
Locomotor activity
Locomotor activity can change apparent Zero Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct. Control it in setup and report it in methods.
Edge risk
Edge risk can change apparent Zero Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct. Control it in setup and report it in methods.
Center-free geometry
Center-free geometry can change apparent Zero Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct. Control it in setup and report it in methods.
4.2 Construct validity caveats
Zero Maze is strongest when endpoint definitions, apparatus settings, and exclusion rules are specified before testing. Treat a single summary metric as a screening signal, then confirm interpretation with latency, engagement, comparator assays, and quality-control review. 1
4.3 Special considerations
When should I choose Zero Maze?
Choose Zero Maze when the research question matches continuous open-versus-closed exploration without the center-zone ambiguity of plus-maze designs. and the lab can control lighting, height exposure, and trial timing.
What setup variables should be specified before testing?
Specify species, cohort size, apparatus dimensions, lighting, tracking method, automation level, cleaning workflow, endpoint definitions, and exclusion criteria before data collection begins.
What makes the data interpretable?
Interpretation is strongest when the apparatus configuration, trial timing, scoring thresholds, confound controls, and comparator assays are documented together with the primary endpoint.
4.4 Current directions
Quarterly editorial review of emerging Zero Maze methodology. Q2 2026
Methods
Endpoint standardization
Define open-zone time, latency, exclusions, and engagement flags before comparing cohorts.
Emerging
Automated scoring
Camera and event-log workflows can reduce observer burden and improve consistency when zone definitions and event thresholds are validated.
Methods
Comparator batteries
Zero Maze should link to adjacent maze, motor, or motivation assays when interpretation depends on controls.
Emerging
Integrated method reporting
Apparatus dimensions, protocol fit, tracking compatibility, and endpoint definitions should be reported together so results are easier to reproduce.
§ 5
References
10 selected methods and validation references for Zero Maze.
- Dudchenko PA. An overview of the tasks used to test working memory in rodents. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2004;28(7):699-709. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2004.09.002
- Shoji H, et al. Comprehensive behavioral test battery for mice. Curr Protoc Mouse Biol. 2012;2:153-187. Find source
- Vorhees CV, Williams MT. Assessing spatial learning and memory in rodents. ILAR J. 2014;55(2):310-332. Find source
- Lalonde R. The neurobiological basis of spontaneous alternation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2002;26(1):91-104. doi:10.1016/S0149-7634(01)00041-0
- Walf AA, Frye CA. The use of the elevated plus maze as an assay of anxiety-related behavior in rodents. Nat Protoc. 2007;2(2):322-328. doi:10.1038/nprot.2007.44
- Pellow S, Chopin P, File SE, Briley M. Validation of open:closed arm entries in an elevated plus-maze as a measure of anxiety in the rat. J Neurosci Methods. 1985;14(3):149-167. doi:10.1016/0165-0270(85)90031-7
- Crawley JN, Goodwin FK. Preliminary report of a simple animal behavior model for the anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1980;13(2):167-170. doi:10.1016/0091-3057(80)90067-2
- File SE, Wardill AG. Validity of head-dipping as a measure of exploration in a modified hole-board. Psychopharmacologia. 1975;44(1):53-59. Find source
- Walsh RN, Cummins RA. The Open-Field Test: a critical review. Psychol Bull. 1976;83(3):482-504. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.83.3.482
- Brown RE, Corey SC, Moore AK. Differences in measures of exploration and fear in MHC-congenic C57BL/6J and B6-H-2K mice. Behav Genet. 1999;29(4):263-271. Find source
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