loopbio
Kastl - Automated Observation Box
Kastl is a complete and versatile product for recording image data from multi-well plates, petri dishes and of custom behavioral arenas of various sizes. It includes one or multiple cameras, Motif software, an enclosure with lighting, temperature and humidity measurement and can be extended with stimulus and stimulus control.
Kastl tracking and behavioral analysis is provided via seamless integration with Loopy - a simple, web-browser based software for managing and analyzing your data - including tracking and plotting. All Kastl systems include a free trial subscription to Loopy.
Two standard Kastl models are currently available (Kastl-HighRes and Kastl-Single) and custom configurations are available upon request. Kastl can be adapted to almost any species or organism (maybe not elephants, for those we would recommend the Motif Field System).
Kastl Key Features
- High frame rate and resolution. Several camera options are available and all support 24/7 operation.
- Light, temperature, or other environmental parameters are recorded synchronously with video data to allow easy analysis and record keeping.
- IR or visible lighting provided for repeatable video and tracking quality.
- Powerful Motif recording software allows reliable operation, remote control using your web browser, and excellent video quality and compression making it the most advanced, highest resolution and frame rate video recording solution currently available.
- All aspects of the system are programmable and can be scheduled. Stimulus and recording paradigms can be created to run continuously and autonomously.
- Scalability and automation. Multiple Kastl systems can be operated in parallel and protocols can be automated.
- Data analysis and backup online with Loopy or Loopy (on-site version) with different processing options to support any budget.
Recording and stimulus are controlled, and environmental sensors monitored, from within a web-browser.
Kastl Standard Models
Kastl-HighRes (High Resolution Multiple-Camera System)
The HighRes Systems are for recording high resolution image data of C. elegans and provide a spatial resolution of 75-100 pixel/mm with a frame rate of up to 30 frames per second. Each camera can record from an area of ca. 30x39mm. The configuration with 6 cameras allows imaging a full multiwell plate (6/24/96 well plate). A unique (and patent pending) lighting system provides exceptionally high contrast.
The system includes an operator computer, lighting and stimulus control, an enclosure and Motif software.
Optionally, Kastl-HighRes can be equipped with a powerful "Blue LED Unit" for behavioral stimulation. Configurations of 1-6 cameras are available to support different needs and budgets.
Multiple cameras are used to ensure high resolution while still covering a large area.
Systems can be outfitted with lighting for illumination and optogentic stimulation. Environmental and lighting sensors are also visible at the rear.
Kastl Single-Camera System
The Single Systems are a cost efficient option for recording with one camera from an area of up to 170x170mm. Multiple camera options including, but not limited to the following are available:.
- 1088x1088 @ up to 220fps
- 1216x1216 @ up to 160fps
- 1544x1544 @ up to 123fps
- 2048x2048 @ up to 90fps
- 3648x3648 @ up to 21fps
Optionally, Kastl-Single is available with an ad-on module for Drosophila phototaxis behavior.
The single camera system and enclosure enclosure.
This model was provided with a phototaxis assay. Lighting was controlled from within Motif. Environmental sensors are also visible.
Kastl Customized Examples
Fluorescence Imaging
Approaching a fluorescence microscope in application, a cooled high sensitivity camera records continuously a 96 well plate probe. Motif input/output and scheduling support allows recording and stimulation in alternating wavelengths (blue 455nm, red 630nm).
A 96-well plate and probe holder for repeatable recordings.
The system was designed to size to mount inside an incubator.
An artistic example of fluorescence upon blue light stimulation.
Humidity and Temperature Controlled Environment
We worked with Binder to customize an incubator for mounting a multiple-camera Kastl system inside. The custom incubator remained completely sealed equiped with temperature and humidity control. An LED array with a custom spectrum for mimicking sun and moonlight was integrated as well.
The remote web user interface of Motif allows starting and stopping recording, scheduling light stimulation, and monitoring and recording of environmental conditions without opening the incubator.
The system featured two independent cameras for running two independent experiments.
Sensors (near the back wall) record environmental data while recording.
The system allows recording from 4 complete 6-well plates concurrency, per camera.
Loopy Video Analysis
Loopy is versatile software for 2D and 3D tracking, image processing, deep learning, behavior coding, and analysis. After recording, your video and other (environmental, for example) data can be uploaded to Loopy for analysis with a single button click.
Because Loopy is continuously updated, you will always have access to the latest tracking and analysis software. It's online nature means you can analyse your data from anywhere; the Kastl computer - your home, or office
Data can be uploaded from your Kastl system directly to your loopy account with a single 'Upload' click.
Loopy provides a number of tracking algorithms, including deep learning based, which can track diverse species reliably.
Loopy can be used for tracking one or many individuals from multiple multi-well plates or petri dishes. Regions of interest can be defined and previous analysis repeated on new data in order to create high throughput data processing pipelines.
For all tracking or analyses results, raw data can always be downloaded in a number of standardised formats (csv, json, h5).
An example pose-tracking result on a long multi-well recording.
Several analysis and plotting options are provided for tracked data.
Publications
- Njume, F. N. et al. A Lipid Transfer Protein Ensures Nematode Cuticular Impermeability. iScience [preprint] (2022). 10.2139/ssrn.4052955
- Barlow, I., Feriani, L., Minga, E., McDermott-Rouse, A., O’Brien, T., Liu, Z., Hofbauer, M., Stowers, J. R., Andersen, E. C., Ding, S. S., & Brown, A. E. X. Megapixel camera arrays for high-resolution animal tracking in multiwell plates. Communications Biology (2022). 10.1038/s42003-022-03206-1
- Zekoll T, Waldherr M and Tessmar-Raible K Characterization of tmt-opsin2 in Medaka Fish Provides Insight Into the Interplay of Light and Temperature for Behavioral Regulation. Frontiers in Physiology (2021). 10.3389/fphys.2021.726941
- McDermott‐Rouse, A., Minga, E., Barlow, I., Feriani, L., Harlow, P. H., Flemming, A. J., & Brown, A. E. X. Behavioral fingerprints predict insecticide and anthelmintic mode of action. Molecular Systems Biology (2021). 10.15252/msb.202110267