Fig. 1

Housing, enrichment and open environment for rodents. (A) Larger cage space allows animals to engage in natural behaviors such as exploring, climbing, and nesting, which are important for their well-being and provides a more accurate representation of their natural behavior in a laboratory setting. These activities help reduce stress levels by providing mental stimulation and opportunities for physical exercise. (B) Providing rodents with toys to play and chew, places to hide, and objects to climb on offers mental stimulation. Just like humans, rodents benefit from engaging activities that keep their minds active and curious. This enrichment helps prevent boredom and promotes mental well-being. Enriched environments also improve the validity of research outcomes by reducing stress-related confounding factors. (C) In an observation box with open space, animals have the freedom to behave as they would in their natural habitat. Furthermore, having animals in an observation box with open space makes it easier for researchers to monitor them for any signs of clinical distress following treatment. With ample room to move and interact, researchers can closely observe the animals’ behavior, body language, and overall performance. This enhanced visibility enables early detection of any potential adverse effects of treatments or interventions, allowing prompt intervention and mitigation of discomfort or distress