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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Barnes Maze Testing Strategies with Small and Large Rodent Models

Barnes Maze Testing Strategies with Small and Large Rodent Models

Published on: February 26, 2014

Adapt-A-Maze: An Open-Source Adaptable and Automated Rodent Behavior Maze System.

Blake S Porter¹, Jacob M Olson², Christopher A Leppla²

¹Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, and Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453 blakeporterneuro@gmail.com.

|June 5, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed Adapt-A-Maze (AAM), a flexible, automated system for rodent behavioral experiments. This modular maze enables rapid configuration changes, improving efficiency and reproducibility in neuroscience research.

Keywords:

behavior cognition maze open-source rodent navigation

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Area of Science:

Behavioral neuroscience
Systems neuroscience
Rodent research

Background:

Mazes are essential tools in rodent behavior and systems neuroscience.
Inflexible maze designs limit experimental paradigms and increase costs.
Need for adaptable and scalable solutions in behavioral research.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a flexible, scalable, and automated modular maze system.
To overcome limitations of traditional fixed mazes in experimental design.
To enhance efficiency, repeatability, and replicability in neuroscience research.

Main Methods:

Development of an open-source, modular maze system named Adapt-A-Maze (AAM).
Implementation of automation for reduced variability and increased throughput.
Standardized componentry for enhanced experimental consistency.

Main Results:

The AAM system allows for rapid changes in maze configurations.
Automation reduces experimental parameter variability and increases throughput.
Successful application across multiple labs and experimental designs in rats.

Conclusions:

The Adapt-A-Maze system offers significant advantages over traditional mazes.
Its flexibility and automation facilitate novel experimental paradigms.
AAM enhances efficiency and reproducibility in behavior and systems neuroscience research.