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Novel Object Recognition
SKU CS-958385
$790.00
IncludesStandard care
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.
CE MarkedBAA available
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Novel Object Recognition fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Mouse, Rat
- SKU family
- CS-958385
- Sizing
- Mouse: Length 40 cm · Width 40 cm; Rat: Length 60 cm · Width 60 cm; XS (Stroke): Length 25 cm · Width 25 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
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
Modular separator system
Enables simultaneous testing of multiple animals while maintaining protocol standardization and reducing experimental time
Removable base design
Facilitates thorough cleaning between subjects to eliminate olfactory contamination that could influence recognition behavior
Matte acrylic finish
Minimizes visual reflections and glare that could create unwanted visual cues or distract animals during testing
Odorless acrylic construction
Prevents introduction of chemical odors that could influence animal behavior or create aversive associations with the testing environment
70% ethanol compatibility
Allows for rapid sanitization between subjects using standard laboratory disinfection protocols
Multiple size configurations
Accommodates different rodent species and experimental designs with appropriately scaled chamber dimensions
Wall insert system
Provides consistent chamber boundaries and eliminates corner effects that could influence exploration patterns
Add-ons and modifications
| Add-on | Fits | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grid Flooring w/ Cover | Mouse - 40x40cm to fit Rat - 60x60cm to fit XS (Stroke) - 25x25cm to fit Grid Lines | $150 | |
| Floor Insert | Mouse | 40x40cm | $60 |
| Floor Insert | Rat | 60x60cm | $80 |
| Objects | $70 |
Add any of these to your quote request.
Sizes by model
| Measurement | Mouse | Rat | XS (Stroke) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 40 cm | 60 cm | 25 cm |
| Width | 40 cm | 60 cm | 25 cm |
| Height | 30 cm | 40 cm | 25 cm |
- Removable base for easy clean
- Acrylic
- Easy clean with 70% Ethanol
- Matte Finish for non shine
- No odors
- XS (Stroke): Large singular box can serve as large Open Field
- XS (Stroke): Separator included to divide into 4 individual mouse/rat boxes
Set of
- Set of four
- Set of one
Warranty Length
- 1 YEAR
Storage Included
- Yes
Assembly Required
- Yes
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
Shipping weight
- 6.06 lb
Shipping box
- L: 65.0 cm
- W: 36.0 cm
- H: 27.0 cm
| 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.
| Model | Size | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse | Length 40 cm · Width 40 cm · Height 30 cm | CS-958385 | $590.00 – $2,090.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
| Rat | Length 60 cm · Width 60 cm · Height 40 cm | CS-958385 | $790.00 – $2,890.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
| XS (Stroke) | Length 25 cm · Width 25 cm · Height 25 cm | CS-958385 | $440.00 – $1,590.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
Learning & Memory
Assessing recognition memory performance in rodent models to evaluate hippocampal function and memory consolidation processes following behavioral training protocols.
Behavioral Research
Testing the cognitive effects of experimental compounds on object recognition memory to screen potential memory-enhancing or memory-impairing interventions.
Neurodegeneration
Evaluating cognitive decline in animal models of neurodegenerative conditions through standardized memory testing protocols.
Neuroscience
Investigating the neural mechanisms underlying declarative memory formation and retrieval in controlled experimental environments with minimal environmental variables.
Environmental Health
Assessing effects of environmental exposures on cognitive function by measuring changes in object recognition memory performance.
Behavioral Neuroscience
Examining the relationship between behavioral states and cognitive function by testing recognition memory capabilities in validated rodent models.
Practical Tips
Best Practices
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
Maintenance
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
Calibration
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
Data Quality
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
Troubleshooting
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
Safety
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
Best Practices
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
Unpack Components
Remove all acrylic components, separators, and wall inserts from packaging and inspect for damage or defects.
Assemble Base Structure
Install the removable base and secure wall inserts according to your experimental configuration (single large chamber or multiple individual chambers).
Configure Chamber Layout
Install separators if conducting multiple simultaneous tests or remove for single large chamber protocols.
Clean and Sanitize
Clean all surfaces with 70% ethanol and allow to air dry completely before introducing animals.
Position Recording Equipment
Set up video recording or tracking systems at appropriate height and angle to monitor animal behavior throughout the chamber.
Prepare Test Objects
Select appropriate objects for familiarization and novel phases, ensuring objects differ in shape, texture, or color but are similar in size.
Conduct Habituation
Allow animals to explore the empty chamber for the designated habituation period before beginning formal testing protocols.
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
ARRIVE Guidelines 2.0Supports standardized behavioral testing protocols that align with reporting guidelines for animal research reproducibility
IACUC Protocol StandardsFacilitates non-invasive behavioral testing that meets institutional animal care and use committee requirements for humane research methods
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
1.Marcelo B. Antunes et al. (2011) “The novel object recognition memory: neurobiology, test procedure, and its modifications” Cognitive Processing doi:10.1007/s10339-011-0430-z
2.Lindsay M. Lueptow (2017) “Novel Object Recognition Test for the Investigation of Learning and Memory in Mice” Journal of Visualized Experiments doi:10.3791/55718
3.Sarah J. Cohen et al. (2014) “Assessing rodent hippocampal involvement in the novel object recognition task. A review” Behavioural Brain Research doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2014.08.002
4.Ben Grayson et al. (2014) “Assessment of disease-related cognitive impairments using the novel object recognition (NOR) task in rodents” Behavioural Brain Research doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2014.10.025
5.Jiyeon K. Denninger et al. (2018) “Novel Object Recognition and Object Location Behavioral Testing in Mice on a Budget” Journal of Visualized Experiments doi:10.3791/58593
Q
What is the Novel Object Recognition test?
A
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.
Q
How does the Novel Object Recognition test work?
A
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.
Q
What research applications use the Novel Object Recognition test?
A
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.
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ConductVision is our video-tracking software. Record your sessions on video, and it reports the measures listed below.
What it measures
Novel Object Recognition
- Discrimination Index
- Recognition Index
- Novel Object Exploration
- Familiar Object Exploration
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Novel Object Recognition
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