How can you record video of mice? - briefly
Use a high‑resolution camera with infrared illumination mounted to view the enclosure, and link it to recording software that supports low‑light capture and motion‑triggered video.
How can you record video of mice? - in detail
Capturing high‑quality footage of laboratory mice requires careful selection of imaging hardware, environmental control, and data management. Begin with a camera system that offers at least 1080 p resolution and a frame rate of 30 fps; for detailed locomotor analysis, 60–120 fps improves temporal resolution. Choose a sensor with good low‑light performance, such as a scientific CMOS or infrared‑sensitive CCD, to accommodate dim conditions without introducing motion blur.
Proper illumination is essential. Use diffuse white light for general behavior observation, and infrared LEDs for nocturnal activity when mice are housed under dark cycles. Position light sources to eliminate shadows and glare; a ring of LEDs around the lens provides even coverage. If infrared imaging is required, verify that the camera’s filter block is removed or replaced with an IR‑pass filter.
Enclose the recording arena in a clear acrylic or glass chamber to prevent escape while maintaining visual access. The chamber dimensions should match the experimental cage size, allowing unrestricted movement. Mount the camera directly above the arena (top‑down view) for unbiased tracking, or use side‑mounted lenses for vertical posture analysis. Secure the mount on a stable tripod or rigid frame to avoid vibration.
Synchronize video capture with experimental triggers using software such as EthoVision, ANY‑maze, or open‑source tools like DeepLabCut. These programs provide real‑time tracking, behavior classification, and automatic file naming. Configure storage to write directly to a high‑speed SSD, reducing dropped frames; allocate sufficient capacity for long‑duration sessions, estimating 10 GB per hour at 1080 p/60 fps.
Maintain consistent ambient temperature (20–26 °C) and humidity (40–60 %) within the recording chamber, as fluctuations can affect mouse activity and image quality. Verify that the enclosure is sound‑attenuated to minimize stress‑induced behavior changes.
Ethical compliance demands that all equipment be cleaned between sessions to prevent odor cross‑contamination and that animal welfare be monitored continuously. Recordings should be reviewed promptly to identify any distress or equipment malfunction.
Key steps for successful video acquisition:
- Select a high‑resolution, high‑frame‑rate camera with infrared capability.
- Implement uniform, low‑intensity illumination; add infrared LEDs for dark‑phase recording.
- Use a transparent, appropriately sized enclosure; mount the camera securely for a stable view.
- Integrate tracking software that supports real‑time analysis and synchronization with experimental events.
- Store data on fast, high‑capacity drives; plan for backup and archival.
- Control environmental parameters and ensure regular cleaning.
- Observe ethical guidelines and monitor animal well‑being throughout the experiment.
By adhering to these practices, researchers obtain clear, analyzable footage that supports rigorous behavioral quantification.