In vivo neuroscience products and neurochemical analysis products
Over the past decade, in vivo neuroscience has increasingly shifted to imaging neural circuits individually and detecting multiple neuromodulators simultaneously. Techniques that were originally developed for use in situ have been improved to the point that they are now available for use in vivo during behavioral experiments. Amuza’s product lines represent the best of this evolution in research tools.
Automated systems increase reproducibility and productivity
Even with the benefit of the latest technology, the design of behavioral experiments is critical for the reliability of the data. One aspect that is frequently overlooked is the nearness of humans to research animals such as mice and rats. If a researcher approaches the subject, the animal’s neurochemistry can change extensively, so too can their behavior. The obtained results can thus vary greatly due to changes in the animals’ exposure to humans during the experiments. This can contribute to a lack of reproducibility between labs and even between researchers in the same lab.
For instance, manual sample collection requires researchers to approach the animal to collect microdialysate or other samples. The resulting stress can cause large changes in brain chemistry – which can mask small effects induced by behavioral tests. Similarly, differences between researchers in mannerisms and techniques while habituating rats to handling can be difficult to recognize and prevent. Both of these factors can lower the reproducibility of behavioral tests.
Amuza’s automated products help you minimize the presence of humans during experiments. Our products increase not only your productivity but also the reliability of your data.
Behavioral Neuroscience
Microdialysis
Neurochemical Analysis
Why Amuza Neuroscience is very important for US and European researchers
The United States is the largest market for basic neuroscience research. Because of this, most manufacturers try to create “one size fits all” products to satisfy the largest number of researchers and achieve the largest sales volume. This makes sense when selling mass-produced merchandise.
In comparison, the Japanese market has a smaller number of researchers. Manufacturers in Japan need to meet the unique needs of each researcher – and demonstrate unique benefits – to succeed. The market is too small to disregard rare opportunities, so manufacturers must excel with each and every customer in order to survive.
Does this mean that products made in Japan are not a good fit for American neuroscience researchers? The answer is of course no. These products are often better matches than those offered by larger companies to neuroscientists located outside of Japan. Amuza was formed to bridge the gap between the American and European researchers whose needs do not fit a “one size fits all” approach and the Japanese manufacturers who understand their requirements.
For research equipment manufacturers, the technical demands from leading neuroscience researchers are becoming more challenging every day. These provide exciting technical challenges for Amuza, ones which might be ignored by companies focused exclusively on high volume sales.
To meet these challenges, Amuza can provide combinations of systems matched to your specific needs. For example, we can combine microdialysis sampling paired with wireless optogenetic stimulation, and our behavioral test equipment is designed to be used with neurophysiological imaging techniques. We also frequently create custom versions of our products to fit the exact needs of our users
Help is always here for you.
Until they understand your challenges, companies cannot support you in reaching your goals.
Most of our products are NOT commodity tools such as balances, centrifuges or pipettors. Our products are designed for specialists, often through collaboration with scientists in Japan who could not find the tools they needed. Because of this, sales and technical support can be very demanding. Our product managers are experienced in tackling your problems and will provide the right products to solve your issues.
We put our value on the 1 on 1 communication with customers in addition to the in-depth support resources called Powered by Amuza. Amuza adds value to our products by always listening to our customers. We use this knowledge to augment the manufacturers’ support materials with our own manuals, videos, application guides, and other online resources. These resources are created by our product managers, who you can reach directly through email, phone, and video chat.
Many neuroscience researchers have developed the skills to create their own research instruments – coding, electronic fabrication, 3D printing, etc. This has often been how each new generation of neuroscience tools is born. But as researchers progress from a member to the leader of a research team, they may no longer have the time to work on creating new tools. Amuza is able to bridge the technical gaps as labs grow and shift to new problems, allowing principal investigators to focus on designing and funding projects.
Questions?
Software that’s supported by us - to let you focus on your discoveries
You want to collect, analyze, and disseminate data—not provide software support! With our proven Task Studio software, simply assemble your trial with flowchart-like simplicity, and configure your triggers and executors with checklist-like ease. And if other researchers want to reproduce your findings, simply direct them to use Task Studio, too. This will save you from the headaches of “free software support” that you’d never intended to offer.
