Novel Object Recognition for Studying Memory in Mice

[Abstract] Memory tests are important indexes of the brain functions for rodents behavior assay. Many memory tasks require external forces (e.g. electric shocks) or intrinsic forces (e.g. hunger and thirsty) to trigger the responses. Under those conditions, rodents are under stresses, such as pain, tired, malnutrition or dehydration, which potentially affect the natural neural responses. Novel object recognition is a non-force driving and spontaneous memory test. It is derived from curiosity but easy to be interfered with manipulation factors. In addition to stepwise procedure, the protocol described here emphasizes how to reduce the noise in the novel object recognition.