The DART (Drosophila ARousal Threshold) suite provides comprehensive software solutions for Drosophila high-throughput behavioural experimentation.

We 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 also manufacture enclosures that provide optogenetic and IR illumination.

BFK also provides tailored-made software 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.

New functions

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Stimuli Train

you can define more or less complex stimuli train and specify their occurrences

Tracking accuracy

verify the accuracy or your tracking and get confident with your results

Analysis

Analyze your data and output nice graph easily

Data output

organize, combine and pool your data easily

New Hardware

DART Set-up

To run the DART system you need:

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.)

1D environment

We manufacture 1D environments that can hold up to 20 trikinetic tubes (with vibrational motors).

2D environment

We also manufacture 2D environments of multiple dimension (with/without vibrational motors).

enclosure

All in one enclosure including recording system (with/without optogenetic functionality) and controllers to connect to the computer and 1D/2D environments.

optogenetic platform (rgb)

Recording platform with RGB illumination for versatile optogenetic control with Red, Blue and Green visible light.

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