An Open-Source, Fully Customizable 5-Choice Serial Reaction Time Task Toolbox for Automated Behavioral Training of...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) is crucial for studying rodent visuospatial attention and impulsivity.
• Commercial 5-CSRTT apparatus often have fixed hardware and software, limiting experimental design flexibility and data output.
• Customization is needed to explore non-standardized task parameters and chamber designs for advanced behavioral research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a fully customizable, open-source alternative to commercial 5-CSRTT systems.
• To provide researchers with a flexible platform for investigating rodent attention and impulsivity.
• To detail the hardware and software components of an adaptable behavioral testing system.

Main Methods:

• Developed a customizable system using a single-board microcontroller (Arduino) and standard components.
• Created an open-access Arduino script for hardware control.
• Designed a Matlab-toolbox for behavioral task specification, including an optional automated staircase training procedure.

Main Results:

• The system offers a flexible and cost-effective alternative to commercial 5-CSRTT setups.
• The open-source hardware and software facilitate non-standardized experimental designs and chamber customization.
• The integrated staircase procedure allows for automated and adaptive behavioral training.

Conclusions:

• The presented open-source 5-CSRTT system provides a highly adaptable platform for rodent behavioral research.
• This customizable approach overcomes the limitations of fixed commercial systems, promoting innovation in attention and impulsivity studies.
• The freely available design encourages broader adoption and modification for diverse research needs in neuroscience.