The Pheno-Tracker (TRKIR) Continuous Monitoring system revolutionizes disease monitoring in animal models by offering a sensitive, non-invasive approach that combines hardware and software. Utilizing long-wave infra-red (LWIR) cameras, the system records continuous video and precise body temperature measurements, providing near-real-time data on animal activity and physiological changes. Proof-of-concept experiments showcase its ability to identify disease symptoms correlating with viral progression, guiding interventions and experimental data collection.
The system's algorithms process raw image data to detect characteristic patterns and distinguish between healthy and disease variations, ensuring data comparability across experiments. Leveraging machine learning, the system rapidly identifies infectious agents and predicts disease outcomes earlier in the infection process, offering a comprehensive approach to experimental research in animal models of human disease.