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Measuring the activity and temperature of rats is commonly required in biomedical research. Conventional approaches necessitate single housing, which affects their behavior and wellbeing. We have used a subcutaneous radiofrequency identification (RFID) transponder to measure ambulatory activity and temperature of individual rats when group-housed in conventional, rack-mounted home cages. The transponder location and temperature is detected by a matrix of antennae in a baseplate under the cage. An infrared high-definition camera acquires side-view video of the cage and also enables automated detection of vertical activity. Validation studies showed that baseplate-derived ambulatory activity correlated well with manual tracking and with side-view whole-cage video pixel movement. This technology enables individual behavioral and temperature data to be acquired continuously from group-housed rats in their familiar, home cage environment. We demonstrate its ability to reliably detect naturally occurring behavioral effects, extending beyond the capabilities of routine observational tests and conventional monitoring equipment. It has numerous potential applications including safety pharmacology, toxicology, circadian biology, disease models and drug discovery.

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13Buck et al. A zebrafish model of ototoxicity 2 HIGHLIGHTS 15The functional effects of known ototoxins were studied in the zebrafish lateral line. 17Ototoxins cause cellular damage to hair cells present in lateral line neuromasts. 19Consequences of the damage are attenuated startle, rheotactic and avoidance reflexes. 21The zebrafish ear may contribute to initiating the noise-evoked startle reflex. 23When combined, zebrafish assays are sensitive pre-clinical detectors of ototoxicity. 24Buck et al. A zebrafish model of ototoxicity 3 ABSTRACT 25The ototoxicity of a number of marketed drugs is well documented, and there is an