It is the fourth week!! These past three weeks Julianna and I another intern, have been working on the Novel Object Experiment. Tested many times, scored and recorded our data. We recently tested again because the first time we didn't see a big difference. This time we did 4 trials, 3 trials with 2 of the same objects and the last trial we would take an object out and put a different one in. Took longer but once we finished scoring and inserted the data onto a spreadsheet and made a graph. It worked and saw that the mice would touch the novel object more than the other. These up coming weeks I will be making electrodes and possibly do some surgeries.
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We have been continuing on testing mice with objects. Julianna and I both tested 3 mice so in total we tested 6. We recorded all 6 mice and later scored, with a number clicker we kept track of how many times the mice would go to each object. We inserted the data into an excel sheet. We also got to see some surgeries, how they tag mice and I attended orientation. First of all, I was really nervous to work with mice. This would be the first time I have been exposed to mice. My first week at Scripps down in the lab another intern and I had to practice taking out and put mice back into their cages. It was scary but after a while you get comfortable and feel more confident. Last week, I was pushing a cart with mice in their cages and I accidentally bumped into something which caused one cage to fall. I was so embarrassed that I wasn't sure what to say or do, luckily I wasn't alone. From that day, I was terrified to handle mice. One of the staff, told me it was fine and to not feel bad and also told me what to do if this were to happen again. It wasn't the first time someone has done that and that mistakes happen all the time. My advice is to always ask for help, especially if you're not sure what do to and to always pay attention and be careful when you're down at the lab.
Today was my first day here at Scripps Research Institute, in the Mouse Behavior Animal Core Facility. I met my mentor and the rest of the lab members. I learned how to properly hold a mouse and took online courses to get my badge activated. My mentor, Dr. Amanda introduced the project I will work on throughout my time here. I will be working on a project that focuses on object location memorization. I will work with five mice and these mice will be inside a chamber and will be in contact with two identical objects. The objects we are using are golf balls that are glued to caps to prevent it from rolling, small beakers filled with marbles and a tiny bottle that is filled with water and green food dye. I will run tests with another intern on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday so the mice can be familiarized to all the objects. |