Glowing worms for automated behavior studies

(Worcester Polytechnic Institute, November 14, 2013)

A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and The Rockefeller University in New York has developed a novel system to image brain activity in multiple awake and unconstrained worms. The technology makes it possible to study the genetics and neural circuitry associated with animal behavior. "One of our major objectives is to understand the neural signals that direct behavior - how sensory information is processed through a network of neurons leading to specific decisions and responses," said Dirk Albrecht, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at WPI. The technology can also be used as a high-throughput screening tool for drug development targeting autism, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other brain disorders.