Primary Assay — Golden Hamster
Wheel Running Activity
Mesocricetus auratus
Wheel running is the canonical behavioral output for circadian rhythm studies. Revolutions per day, activity onset/offset, free-running period, and phase shifts to light pulses characterize the circadian clock with high temporal resolution.
Quantitative Output
Measured Parameters
Every parameter is automatically tracked frame-by-frame in the ConductVision pipeline for Mesocricetus auratus.
| Parameter | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Revolutions per day | count | Total activity volume |
| Activity onset/offset | zeitgeber time | Circadian phase markers |
| Free-running period (τ) | hours | Endogenous period in DD |
| Phase shift magnitude | min | Response to light pulse |
References
Citations for Wheel Running Activity
- Mrosovsky N. (1996). Locomotor activity and non-photic influences on circadian clocks. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc, 71(3), 343-372. PMID: 8761159
Compatible Equipment
Hardware for Golden Hamster Research
Running Wheel with Revolution Counter
Circadian activity recording
Resident-Intruder Arena
Aggression testing
Scent-Marking Substrate
Flank marking quantification
Food Hoarding Apparatus
Hoarding behavior setup
ClockLab-Compatible Data Logger
Circadian rhythm analysis
Related Assays
Other Golden Hamster Primary Assays
04
Flank Marking (Scent Communication)
Mesocricetus auratus
Hamsters deposit scent marks by pressing their flank glands against surfaces. Marking frequency, latency, and bout durat…
04
Aggression (Resident-Intruder)
Mesocricetus auratus
The resident-intruder paradigm elicits robust aggression in hamsters. Attack latency, attack frequency, chase duration, …
04
Food Hoarding
Mesocricetus auratus
Hamsters exhibit pronounced food hoarding behavior, transporting food in cheek pouches to their nest. Weight hoarded, nu…
Run Wheel Running Activity on ConductVision
Our team will configure the protocol, camera rig, and analysis pipeline for your golden hamster facility.
