Researchers have developed an improved technique to observe bladder function in mice without the need for anaesthesia.

The team from EARA members VIB, and KU Leuven, Belgium, had discovered that urethane, an anaesthetic commonly used in urological research with mice, can influence the functioning of the bladder and affect results.

Now they have reported in bioRxiv about their X-ray based technique and machine-learning protocol – involving algorithms – that can be used in fully awake and moving animals without the use of anaesthesia.

“We are now routinely using this technique, not only to uncover aspects of bladder function that up till now could not be studied, but also to develop highly needed new therapies for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients,” said Thomas Voets, author of the study.

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