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Novel Object Recognition
Validated recognition memory test based on rodents' spontaneous preference for novel objects. Available in rat (47002) and mouse (47003) sizes with interchangeable sphere, cube, pyramid, and cylinder objects; magnetic bases prevent accidental displacement.
What is the Novel Object Recognition Test?
The Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test is one of the most widely used assays for studying non-spatial, recognition memory in rodents. It exploits the natural tendency of mice and rats to spend more time investigating a new, unfamiliar object compared to one they have already encountered. Because it requires no reinforcement (no food reward or aversive stimuli), the NOR test is a low-stress, ethologically valid measure of recognition memory that is sensitive to lesions of the hippocampus, perirhinal cortex, and prefrontal cortex.
Key Features
- Four Object Shapes: Sphere, cube, pyramid, and cylinder are provided in each set, enabling researchers to design sessions with maximum shape and texture contrast between familiar and novel objects.
- Magnetic Base: Each object sits on a magnetic base that anchors it to the arena floor, preventing accidental displacement by the animal during exploration — a critical source of artifact in many commercial kits.
- Mouse and Rat Sizes: Cat. 47003 is sized for mice (40 × 40 mm objects); Cat. 47002 is scaled for rats (80 × 80 mm), ensuring object dimensions are appropriate relative to body size.
- High-Contrast Colors: Standard white and black object sets maximize visual contrast for camera-based tracking; custom colors available on request.
- Video-Tracking Compatible: Fully compatible with ANY-maze (Cat. 60000) and other video-tracking platforms for automated scoring of exploration time and discrimination index.
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Technical Specifications
| Catalog Numbers | 47002 (Rat), 47003 (Mouse) |
| Rat Object Dimensions | Cube 80×80×80 mm; Sphere 100 mm Ø; Pyramid 110 mm base, 80 mm H; Cylinder 80 mm Ø, 80 mm H |
| Mouse Object Dimensions | Cube 40×40×40 mm; Sphere 50 mm Ø; Pyramid 55 mm base, 40 mm H; Cylinder 40 mm Ø, 40 mm H |
| Object Colors (Standard) | White and Black; custom colors available |
| Base Type | Magnetic (prevents displacement) |
| Compatibility | ANY-maze video-tracking (Cat. 60000); all standard open-field arenas |
| Warranty | 12 months + 12 months post-registration |
Applications
- Recognition memory and cognitive aging studies
- Transgenic Alzheimer's and neurodegeneration models
- Pharmacological screening of nootropics and amnestics
- Hippocampal and perirhinal cortex lesion studies
Mazes Tracking
Explore All ProductsMemory and Learning
Explore All ProductsWhat brain regions does the NOR test target?
NOR primarily depends on the perirhinal cortex for object familiarity discrimination. The hippocampus plays a modulatory role, particularly for temporal aspects (when an object was last seen). Prefrontal cortex is engaged during longer inter-trial intervals.
What catalog numbers are available for the NOR objects?
Cat. 47002 provides rat-sized objects (80 mm scale) and Cat. 47003 provides mouse-sized objects (40 mm scale). Both sets include sphere, cube, pyramid, and cylinder shapes in white and black.
What is the discrimination index and how is it calculated?
The discrimination index (DI) is calculated as (time with novel object − time with familiar object) / total exploration time. A positive DI indicates intact recognition memory; a DI near zero indicates failure to discriminate novel from familiar.
Do I need video-tracking software for the NOR test?
While manual scoring is possible, automated video-tracking (e.g. ANY-maze Cat. 60000) provides greater objectivity, allows scoring of additional parameters (path length, velocity, nose point proximity), and eliminates observer bias — particularly important for pharmacological studies.
Can NOR objects be used in any open-field arena?
Yes — the NOR objects with magnetic bases are designed to be placed inside any standard open-field arena. The Ugo Basile Open Field (Cat. 47100 for rats, 47432 for mice) is the recommended arena, but they are compatible with most commercially available arenas.
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