What do you research?
Our lab focuses on vocal communication between animals, particularly mice and rats. We’re interested in how animals interact naturally and how their communication patterns can serve as biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism. By studying these interactions, we aim to understand how genetic mutations affect brain function and behavior.
How is animal testing part of your research?
To study communication, we need animals to interact freely. Our setup involves an open arena where mice or rats can move around and engage with each other naturally. We use an “acoustic camera” with 170 microphones and a visual camera to precisely localize sounds and associate them with individual animals. This allows us to analyze their audiovisual behavior in detail.
Why is it essential that you use animals in this research? How do you ensure animals are handled safely?
The changes we’re studying occur at the level of brain function and behavior—something we can’t ethically or practically investigate in humans. For example, we use genetically modified mice, such as Shank3 knockout mice, which model aspects of autism spectrum disorder. These models help us explore how genetic mutations influence communication.
We follow the latest standards in animal care. Our experiments are mild and involve minimal handling. Mice are not lifted by the tail but are guided into tubes or platforms to reduce stress. The less stressed the animals are, the more natural their behavior—and the more reliable our data. If an animal is visibly stressed and doesn’t interact, we exclude it from the study.
How do you approach the concept of animal-free innovation?
While we support the idea of reducing animal use, certain aspects of behavior—especially social interaction—can’t be replicated by computer models or organoids. There’s no substitute for observing real-time communication between animals. In the future, more advanced human brain imaging might reduce the need for animal models, but we’re not there yet. For now, animal research remains essential for understanding and potentially correcting brain disorders.
What is the LifeScope project about?
LifeScope aims to develop a compact, automated system that can be integrated into animal cages to monitor behavior 24/7. The goal is to detect signs of distress in individual animals by tracking movement and vocalizations. One challenge has been accurately identifying which animal is doing what at any given time. Our system addresses this by combining precise sound localization with continuous monitoring.
The project started about six months ago and will run for five years. However, we’ve already made significant progress, and we’re in discussions with companies interested in commercializing the system. Ultimately, LifeScope could improve both animal welfare and the quality of behavioral research.
Is your research more fundamental or applied?
It’s a mix. While our work is rooted in fundamental science—understanding how communication works in the brain—it has clear applications. For instance, identifying behavioral biomarkers could lead to earlier diagnosis or better treatment strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders. Fundamental research is crucial because without it, we wouldn’t reach the applied stage.
Any final thoughts?
There’s a growing movement at Radboud University to improve animal housing conditions, making them more naturalistic and enriching. This not only benefits the animals but also enhances the quality of research. If animals live in more stimulating environments, their behavior—and the data we collect—will be more representative of real-life situations.