Mouse lockbox pilot

In this study, we will investigate problem-solving behavior in male mice using a sliding lockbox with 99 tiles. By sliding the tiles, which can be moved in multiple directions, a mouse can unlock a food reward hidden under one of the tiles. Different tasks are planned: (i) with all tiles free to slide, (ii) with part of the tiles blocked, and (iii) with a different set of tiles blocked. The animals are trained to solve each task over multiple sessions in a lockbox cage, which is part of their housing. Each session is video-recorded with five fixed cameras positioned around the lockbox cage. The recordings will be used for both manual and automated analyses of learning and problem-solving strategies. Additionally, we will examine the effects of long-term exposure to lockbox tasks on brain and physiology parameters.