Abstract: Screening methods for identifying agents that affect vision in mammals are provided along with systems which may be used in such methods. Accordingly, methods of the present invention can be used for identifying agents that are useful for treating or reducing visual impairment as well as for identifying agents that result in visual impairment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling the non-invasive acquisition of physiological parameters of a mammal, while allowing the mammal to move around a predetermined area is provided. In accordance with one example embodiment, a monitoring device for non-invasively acquiring physiological measurements of a mammal is provided. The device includes a first electrode configured to attach to an ear of the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining a first electrical signal. A second electrode is configured to attach to a first alternate location of the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining a second electrical signal. A third electrode is configured to attach to a second alternate location of the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining a third electrical signal. The first electrode, second electrode, and third electrode are in communication with a signal receiver. Physiological parameters, such as those associated with electrocardiograms, can be obtained using the monitoring device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording and analyzing the gait of an animal is provided. The apparatus can take the form of a gait imaging system. The system includes a movable belt track upon which a subject can ambulate. An imaging device is disposed below the belt track to record contact between at least one limb of the subject and the belt track. The subject can ambulate along the belt track in a substantially stationary location above the imaging device as the belt track moves, and the imaging device can record the contact by the subject. A method of recording a gait of an ambulating subject is also provided. The method includes locating the subject on a movable belt track. The subject is motivated to ambulate along the movable belt track at about the same rate as the movable belt track, while the belt track is moving, such that the location of the subject does not substantially change.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording and analyzing the gait of an animal is provided. The apparatus can take the form of a gait imaging system. The system includes a movable belt track upon which a subject can ambulate. An imaging device is disposed below the belt track to record contact between at least one limb of the subject and the belt track. The subject can ambulate along the belt track in a substantially stationary location above the imaging device as the belt track moves, and the imaging device can record the contact by the subject. A method of recording a gait of an ambulating subject is also provided. The method includes locating the subject on a movable belt track. The subject is motivated to ambulate along the movable belt track at about the same rate as the movable belt track, while the belt track is moving, such that the location of the subject does not substantially change.