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The Biomedical and Behavioural Research Unit (BBRU) offers services for pre-clinical studies and physiological measurements in rodents.

These include:

  • Short term and long-term studies of physiological parameters, e.g., for drug studies
  • Blood sampling
  • Tissue sampling
  • Analysis of physiological parameters, e.g., blood sugar levels, hormone levels
  • Activity analysis, e.g., day-night activity cycle, food and liquid intake
  • Cognitive performance analysis, e.g., water maze learning tasks, skinner box conditioning tasks

The unit has computerised tracking systems and data analysis systems; Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) housing conditions are available (if required). In addition, a number of surgical techniques can be performed, e.g. the implantation of drug delivery systems or injections of drugs intra-cerebrally. The unit also has considerable expertise in the analysis of physiological properties of transgenic animals.

The unit is currently involved in undertaking customized in vivo research projects in areas such as: diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer growth and blood vessel growth and development

Contact: bbru@ulster.ac.uk