Lick sensors as tools in behavioral and neuroscience research

Lick sensors can be valuable tools in behavioral and neuroscience research on licking and drinking behavior. The focus of this discussion is the recording of licking in the rat. However, comments on the application of these sensors to the measuring of fluid intake are included as well. Lick sensors should be used with adequate precautions. Some constraint on the access of the animal to the drinking tube is necessary for the adequate recording of each single lick. Published drawbacks to the use of electrically operated lick sensors are discussed, and reduced to realistic proportions. With these latter sensors one can obtain behavioral and electrophysiological data that are directly related to the time of making and breaking contact of the tongue with the fluid that is drunk.