#Japan #AI Technology #Yokohama #Jackson Laboratory #Animal Monitoring

Introduction

Jackson Laboratory Japan has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Avidity Science to introduce a new non-invasive monitoring system for lab animals in Japan. This innovative home cage monitoring solution integrates advanced AI technology, marking a significant leap in the digital transformation of animal research.

Digital Transformation in Animal Research

Traditionally, behavior and health assessments of experimental animals have relied heavily on human observation, which can often lead to subjective data. Challenges such as reliability, reproducibility, and gaps in data collection during non-observational hours have always been concerns in this domain. Recent shifts in research trends, particularly influenced by the refinement of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) principles in the U.S. and Europe, emphasize the need for continuous, non-invasive data acquisition and quantitative analysis driven by AI technologies. The new solution addresses these challenges head-on, providing more objective and reproducible research data.

Product Overview: AI Visualization of Natural Behavior

The hallmark of this new product lies in its integration of the U.S. manufactured "Discovery™ Individual Ventilation Cabinet (IVC) system" by Allentown with the state-of-the-art "Envision™ software" developed by The Jackson Laboratory. This AI-powered digital home cage monitoring system features an In Vivo View (IVV) module equipped with high-sensitivity cameras and both white and infrared lighting, which captures real-time footage of the animals housed in the cages. The AI algorithms analyze this footage non-invasively, extracting vital behavioral metrics such as activity levels, food intake, drinking patterns, respiratory rates, sleep cycles, and even the incidence of seizures. The collected data is automatically stored and shared in the cloud, facilitating multi-site analysis and parallel experiments.

Key Features of the System

• - Automated Behavior Analysis: The AI categorizes activity levels, feeding, drinking, and other behaviors with excellent accuracy.
• - Non-Invasive Continuous Monitoring: The system respects the natural behaviors of animals, ensuring they are observed round the clock, year-round without distress.
• - Cloud-Based Connectivity: It optimizes data storage, sharing, and analysis across multiple locations.
• - Developer Environment Support: Integration with tools such as R Studio and Jupyter allows users to create custom metrics tailored to their research needs.
• - Balancing Animal Welfare and Efficiency: Automated monitoring of feeding and watering minimizes the need for human intervention, enhancing animal welfare.
• - Support for 3Rs and Translational Research: By improving the reproducibility of research, it balances animal welfare with scientific validity.

Domestic Sales and Support Structure

The collaboration between Jackson Laboratory Japan and Avidity Science aims to enhance efficiency and animal welfare support within preclinical research sectors, including pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and academic institutions.

• - Jackson Laboratory Japan: Focuses on integrated sales of the Envision™ software and Discovery™ IVC system.
• - Avidity Science: Responsible for the delivery, installation, technical support, and maintenance of the Discovery™ IVC system.

About Jackson Laboratory Japan

Located in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Jackson Laboratory Japan has been operational since December 1972, under the leadership of President Rika Hamaki. They specialize in the production and sale of SPF/VAF experimental animals, import of lab animals, and providing value-added services, including contract testing and genetically modified model creation. For more information, you can visit their official website.

About Avidity Science

Avidity Science, established in February 2019 and headed by President Yasuhito Tamuka, is located in Akasaka, Tokyo. The company engages in the sale and after-service of automated watering systems, IVC systems, and monitoring equipment for animal husbandry. More details can be found on their website.