The DART (Drosophila ARousal Threshold) software suite provides comprehensive analytical solutions for high-throughput behavioural experimentation.
We are continuously upgrading the original version of our software published in 2015 to accommodate researchers needs and making sure of its user friendly interface. We also create and supply standardised hardware including platforms for video tracking. This includes classical 1D environments for sleep and circadian rhythm studies, and 2D environments for analysing open-field behaviour. In combination with these platforms, we supply external motors operated by our own custom-built USB controlled devices which can be utilised to carefully examine arousal threshold and stimuli responses. Finally, we manufacture enclosures that can provide optogenetic and IR illumination. BFK also provides tailored-made analytical solutions within the DART software suite, continuously expanding its potential for your research. We create new functions which provide users with specific solutions to quantify your own unique experimental questions.
How deeply does your mutant sleep? the DART suite
In this article, we describe the DART system for the 1st time. Since 2015, we have been continuously updating the software and are now providing the associated hardware.
The DART suite is extremely versatile. It has been used for the study of general anaesthesia; as an alternative to the negative geotaxis climbing assay; a more precise strategy to look into the effects of aging;
Software development:
We kept the DART software up to date with the newest Matlab release, upgrade tracking, and enhance the user-friendly interface to offer more flexibility
User-Friendly Graphical Interface
Automatic tracking and manual correction allows for greater accuracy and fidelity of results.
Intuitive user interface allows the user for greater control of experimental design and quantitative analysis.
Data Analysis
Although DART comes pre-packaged with several basic analysis functions, we can create customisable analysis functions (visualisation, statistics and data output) to suit your investigation needs.
New Hardware
We are offering a wide range of hardware specifically design for running behavioural experiment using DART.
Plug and Play Infra-red camera from 15 to 60fps
1D platform for sleep and circadian experiments
2D or Y-shaped platforms
Motor controller
White-light enclosure for circadian experiments
Optogenetic device with Red-Green-Blue opsin activation
DART Set-up
To run the DART system you need:
We manufacture 1D environments that can hold up to 20 Trikinetic tubes (with vibrational motors).
We also manufacture 2D environments of multiple dimension (with/without vibrational motors).
A computer for running DART and data storage. We can assist you in choosing the right machine for your needs.
A recording device. DART is designed to run with a simple webcam, but more sophisticated recording devices can be used (depending on the size/scale of your experiment).
The environment or apparatus for your model organism.
A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) to provide highly controlled external stimuli (vibrational motors, chemical odours, lights, etc.)
enclosure
All in one enclosure including recording system (with/without optogenetic functionality) and controllers to connect to the computer and 1D/2D environments.
Hight-throughput setup
Possibility to add a compact USB3 camera (2592 x 1944 px, pixel size 2.2 µm, 48.0 fps)
Hight-throughput setup composed of 6 platforms with motors and IR-lights underneath for better image quality.
Each platform can be independently controlled and can hold 18 tubes.
Comes with a surrounding frame
optogenetic platform (rgb)
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