Delivering innovation through researcher-designed solutions that prioritize animal welfare and scientific precision
The Challenge: Neuroscience Research in Nonstandard Species
Delivering cytosolic dyes or functional proteins into neurons in nonstandard animal model species like tree shrews and zebra finches has traditionally required complex viral vectors or invasive procedures. These approaches often create protocol complications, regulatory challenges, and animal welfare concerns that can compromise long-term studies and research outcomes.
At Safe Haven Lab Cages, we believe housing should never be a barrier to scientific breakthroughs. Our researcher-designed, species-specific caging systems are intentionally crafted to enable cutting-edge research - we address the unique needs of nonstandard model studies to maintain the highest animal welfare standards and research integrity.
The Nonstandard Model Housing Challenge
Researchers working with tree shrews, marmosets, and zebra finches face a critical challenge: finding specialized housing systems that support advanced neuroscience protocols while ensuring optimal animal welfare. Traditional laboratory animal suppliers often overlook these nonstandard models, leaving researchers scrambling for custom solutions.
Why Traditional Lab Animal Cages Fall Short
Tree shrew researchers, marmoset specialists, and avian neuroscientists consistently encounter the same obstacles:
Regulatory Complexity: Traditional viral delivery methods create significant regulatory hurdles for US-based research labs, delaying critical neuroscience studies involving nonstandard models.
Housing Limitations: Standard laboratory animal housing lacks species-specific features required for tree shrew behavioral studies, marmoset social housing needs, or zebra finch research protocols.
Protocol Restrictions: Invasive delivery methods and inadequate housing design limit longitudinal behavioral research capabilities in these emerging model systems.
Budget Constraints: High costs for both custom housing and complex delivery protocols strain already-tight research budgets, particularly for labs working with nonstandard models.
Dr. Joe Wekselblatt, Co-Founder and COO of Safe Haven Lab Cages, witnessed these challenges firsthand through collaborations with researchers across the United States. This experience led him to develop both breakthrough delivery methods and the specialized housing solutions needed to support advanced nonstandard model research.
Breakthrough Research: The N1 Peptide Revolution
Dr. Joe Wekselblatt—Co-Founder and COO of Safe Haven Lab Cages—recently published groundbreaking research, titled “In vivo cytosolic delivery of biomolecules into neurons for super-resolution imaging and genome editing.” This research introduces the N1 peptide for non-standard model animals (e.g. tree shrew, zebra finch, rat): a non-viral, neuron-targeting delivery system that perfectly aligns with our mission to empower humane scientific discovery (Wekselblatt et al., 2025).
Multi-Institutional Research Collaboration of N1 Peptide
- University of Texas at Dallas - Dr. Ahn's Laboratory Contributing peptide synthesis and purification expertise critical to N1 development.
- Nanobrain Lab - Dr. Zhenpeng Qin Leading focused ultrasound research and blood-brain barrier applications for N1 delivery.
- UCLA Department of Ophthalmology: Dr. Wekselblatt's research focuses on visual neuroscience applications, including tree shrew visual system research and species-specific protocol development
- Caltech Collaboration: Cross-species validation and electrophysiology integration
What Makes N1 Peptide Different for Neuroimaging & Genome Editing?
The N1 peptide addresses critical limitations in nonstandard model neuroscience research studying visual processing mechanisms:
Direct Cytosolic Delivery: This 15-amino acid peptide binds to extracellular hyaluronan and crosses neuronal membranes, bypassing endosomal uptake to deliver cargo directly into the cytosol—eliminating the need for complex viral vectors in tree shrew studies.
Cross-Species Success: N1 demonstrates robust neuronal targeting in rats, tree shrews, and zebra finches—proving its value for researchers working with these specialized models in comparative neuroscience studies.
Versatile Cargo Capacity: Photo-stable fluorescent dyes for super-resolution imaging of dendritic spines in tree shrew visual cortex studies—a critical application for US neuroscience research programs studying visual processing mechanisms.
Non-Viral Genome Editing: Direct delivery of Cre recombinase enables precise spatiotemporal genome editing in tree shrews and other nonstandard models without viral vector complications or regulatory delays.
Flexible Administration Options:
- Intraparenchymal injection for targeted tree shrew visual cortex studies
- Intrathecal delivery for spinal cord research applications
- Intravenous administration combined with focused ultrasound for blood-brain barrier opening
From Research Insights to Animal Model Housing Innovation
Dr. Wekselblatt's AALAS Presentation: Shaping the Future
Dr. Wekselblatt recently presented "Beyond the Familiar: Advancements in Marmoset Disease Models, Neuroimaging, and Innovative Housing" at the 2025 SCB AALAS Kellogg West Symposium. His presentation highlights critical insights that directly inform SHLC's cage design philosophy.
Key Research Highlights from AALAS Presentation:
Tree Shrew Visual System Mapping: Using functional ultrasound imaging, electrophysiology, and advanced techniques to study brain organization in this proto-primate model.
Marmoset Disease Modeling: Blood-brain barrier (BBB) crossing virus applications for Lewy Body Dementia research, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of advanced delivery methods.
Housing Innovation Announcements:
- Smart Cage Development: Partnership with 7ensor to create comprehensive monitoring systems
- Advanced Transport Solutions: Collaboration with Validated Delivery Solutions (VDS) for specialized ground squirrel and bird transport systems
We invite you to view Dr. Wekselblatt's presentation to see how his research expertise drives SHLC's mission to develop housing solutions that enhance both animal welfare and research outcomes.
Revolutionizing Nonstandard Model Species Research & Animal Welfare
Safe Haven Lab Cages represents the intersection of cutting-edge research and practical innovation. Dr. Wekselblatt's N1 peptide breakthrough demonstrates the kind of scientific advancements we aim to support—practical, welfare-focused research that expands possibilities for nonstandard model studies.
Critical Research Challenges That Shaped SHLC's Mission
Through his work distributing tree shrews across multiple institutions—including Penn, UAB, Tulane, Vanderbilt, USC, and Tufts—Dr. Wekselblatt identified three major gaps in the research infrastructure:
- Housing Limitations: Standard laboratory animal housing lacks species-specific features required for tree shrew behavioral studies, marmoset social housing needs, and zebra finch research protocols.
- Transport Barriers: Recent IATA guideline revisions created significant constraints for air transport of small mammals and birds, limiting inter-institutional collaboration.
- Monitoring Gaps: Advanced neuroscience protocols require housing that supports complex imaging setups while maintaining comprehensive environmental and behavioral monitoring.
Multi-Species Transport Solutions: IATA-Compliant Shipment Crates
Not only did Dr. Wekselblatt's experience distributing tree shrews to multiple institutions revealed critical gaps in specialized transport systems, but several other researchers have faced constraints with air transport of their small mammals and birds due to recent IATA guideline revisions. Our partnership with Validated Delivery Solutions (VDS) addresses these logistical challenges that are more broadly faced with small mammal and bird transport.
VDS Partnership: Solving Multi-Institutional Research Logistics
Together with VDS, we have developed IATA-compliant small mammal and bird transport crates to enable air transport of key nonstandard model species - solving the huge hurdle experienced by researchers attempting inter-institutional transportation of tree shrews, 13-lined ground squirrels (13LGS), and zebra finches.
Small Mammal Shipping Crates
- IATA-Compliant Design: Meets international air transport regulations for 13-lined ground squirrels (13LGS), tree shrews, and more
- 6-Compartment Configuration: Reduces transport stress through appropriate grouping options
- Environmental Monitoring: Temperature and humidity control during transit
- Multi-Institutional Distribution: Supports collaborative research networks
Avian Shipping Crates
Working with zebra finches, buntings and other small birds requires specialized understanding of avian behavior and safety requirements. Our transport solutions reflect this species-specific approach:
- Species-Specific Solutions: Designs suitable for small birds - e.g. zebra finches, buntings, and starlings - and larger species, such as owls.
- Air Transport Compatibility: IATA-compliant construction enables inter-institutional collaboration
- Stress Reduction Features: Design minimizes transport-related behavioral changes
- Safety-Focused Design: Strategic perching spots and controlled space minimize flight injuries while maintaining comfort during shipping and temporary housing.
- Optimal Space Balance: Our bird transport crates provide enough space for comfortable perching, turning, and sitting upright while preventing excessive flight that could lead to injury during transport.
- Research Continuity: Maintains animal condition for immediate post-transport research protocols
- (Under Development) Environmental Monitoring: Environmental monitoring and analysis for optimal health and research conditions
Figure 1: SCB AALAS presentation slides showing our transport crates developed in partnership with VDS.
Forthcoming IATA-Compliant Animal Transport Solutions
SHLC is currently developing additional species-specific transport crates, such as for owls, ferrets, naked mole rats, and other species facing IATA transport restrictions. Our vision is to establish a robust series of IATA-compliant transport crates that integrate comprehensive data monitoring and analysis from shipment to the lab. Such end-to-end integrated IoT data could help researchers record and identify any potential variables that could impact their experimental data.
7ensor Partnership: Smart Cage Technologies for Advanced Research
SHLC is actively developing new technologies to support researchers working at the forefront of neuroscience and other innovative nonstandard species model studies. Our collaboration with 7ensor aims to develop comprehensive environmental and physiological data collection, monitoring, and analysis for lab animal housing and transport crates.
Current Smart Cage Monitoring Capabilities
Smart cage monitoring represents the next generation of laboratory animal housing technology, particularly valuable for improving the integrity of research results. Our current data collection capabilities include the following:
- Environmental conditions (CO₂, VOCs, temperature, humidity, UV exposure, PM2.5)
- Behavioral patterns and activity levels
- Stress indicators and motion detection
- Vocalization analysis for welfare assessment
Figure 2: SCB AALAS presentation slides detailing the environmental data sensing capabilities of 7ensor for developing our smart cages and crates.
Smart Transport Crates Development
In collaboration with VDS and 7ensor, we are developing reusable intelligent transport crates with monitoring systems that maintain data continuity for evaluating animal welfare throughout the shipment process and in your vivarium. This builds on our existing efforts to provide the most versatile and robust logistics solutions for lab animal transportation. Any existing cage or experimental setup can be enhanced with smart monitoring capabilities, providing researchers with unprecedented insights into animal welfare and research outcomes.
Data Monitoring for Animal Transport
- Real-time transit monitoring and alerts
- Comprehensive environmental tracking during shipment
- Data continuity from transport to vivarium
- Integration with existing cage monitoring systems
Figure 3: Dr. Wekselblatt's CB AALAS presentation slides smart transport crates under development with VDS & 7ensor.
Learn More About Our Smart Cages
In addition to data collection for your colony, we are developing advanced data analysis and warning programs to aid scientists in managing animal welfare alongside research integrity. You are invited to contact us with feedback on which data monitoring aspects you would like to see developed first.
Small Mammal Housing: Designed for Natural Behavior and Ease of Research
Our tree shrew caging systems directly address the behavioral and research needs identified through Dr. Wekselblatt's multi-institutional work:
Featured Tree Shrew Housing Solutions
Tree Shrew Collapsible Standard Cage
- Dimensions: 24″ W × 18″ D × 18″ H
- Space-Saving Design: Collapses to 24.5″ × 18.5″ × 3″ for efficient storage
- Material: Stainless steel construction, fully autoclavable
- Features: Full-size 10" x 10" door; secure wire mesh; 3" high stainless steel tray; integrated enrichment options (shelves, running wheel, etc.)
Tree Shrew Collapsible Mansion Cage
- Dimensions: 24″ W × 18″ D × 18″ H
- Compact Storage Footprint: Collapses to 48"w x 30"d x 4"h for efficient storage
- Material: Stainless steel construction, fully autoclavable
- Features: Ample room for social tree shrew housing; 4 shelves; fully opening top; 12" x 14" door on the upper part of the cage; a large 12" x 18" door below; 1-1/2" tall stainless steel slide out tray
- Researcher Feedback Integration: Built with input from tree shrew researchers to optimize workflow efficiency
Marmoset Research Equipment: Supporting Advanced Primate Studies
For researchers expanding N1 peptide applications to primate models, our marmoset research housing equipment provides the precision and reliability needed for complex neuroscience protocols:
Marmoset Framed 2-Cage Multilevel Unit
- Dimensions: Configurable 30″ W × 24″ D × 48″ H housing system (1 or 2 cages with use of removable tray insert)
- GLP-Compliant: Meets regulatory standards for pharmaceutical research
- Welfare-Optimized: Slide-out trays and enrichment options reduce procedure stress
- Observation-Ready: Designed for post-injection monitoring and behavioral assessment
The SHLC Advantage: Research-Driven Design Philosophy
Our species-specific animal housing solutions emerge from real research challenges, not theoretical specifications:
- Multi-Institutional Distribution Experience: Supporting tree shrew colonies across leading research institutions with practical, field-tested transport solutions.
- Complex Protocol Requirements: Housing designed to accommodate everything from functional ultrasound imaging to blood-brain barrier research.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting USDA & IATA transport requirements and institutional animal care standards without compromising research capabilities.
- Welfare Integration: Combining research functionality with species-specific behavioral needs for optimal animal welfare and research validity.
Building Tomorrow's Research Infrastructure, Today
We understand that breakthrough research requires housing solutions that anticipate and support innovation. Our commitment goes beyond manufacturing—we're building the infrastructure that enables the next generation of research through:
- Collaborative Innovation: Your research insights directly inform our design process, ensuring housing solutions that truly serve scientific advancement.
- Accessible Excellence: Research-grade quality at accessible price points, supporting labs with tight budgets.
- Community Building: Supporting the growing network of researchers working with tree shrews, marmosets, and other nonstandard models
- Future-Ready Design: Our smart housing initiatives prepare your research protocols for the data-driven future of laboratory animal science.
The connection between Dr. Wekselblatt's research breakthroughs and SHLC's innovative partnerships demonstrates our commitment to supporting cutting-edge research through practical solutions.
Getting Started with SHLC Research Housing Solutions
Whether you're conducting N1 peptide delivery studies in tree shrews, exploring marmoset disease models, or advancing zebra finch neuroscience research, SHLC provides the specialized housing solutions you need to conduct groundbreaking research while ensuring optimal animal welfare.
Custom Consultation Features
Our consultation process ensures optimal solutions for your specific needs:
- Protocol Assessment: We evaluate your research requirements, protocols, imaging needs, and behavioral study parameters.
- Species-Specific Design: Custom housing features tailored to tree shrew, marmoset, or zebra finch behavioral and physiological requirements.
- Regulatory Compliance Review: Ensuring all housing solutions meet your institutional animal care standards and research protocol requirements.
- Budget Optimization: Cost-effective solutions that maximize research capabilities within available funding constraints.
- Implementation Support: Installation guidance, training, and ongoing technical support for optimal system performance.
Partnership Opportunities
- Institutional Partnerships: Volume pricing and comprehensive support for multi-lab implementations and large-scale research programs.
- Research Collaborations: Early access to smart cage development partnerships and advanced monitoring system beta testing.
- Transport Network Solutions: Species-specific shipping solutions for multi-institutional research collaborations and animal distribution networks.
- Custom Development Projects: Collaborative design of novel housing solutions for emerging research applications and protocols.
We're here to support your research with species-specific housing solutions designed by researchers, for researchers.
Connect with SHLC:
Connect with Safe Haven Lab Cages today to explore how our research-driven approach can support your breakthrough discoveries.
- Custom Design: Collaborate on housing solutions tailored to your laboratory
- Early access: Get involved with our smart cages (7ensor), transport crates (VDS), and other partnerships
- Transport Logistics: Species-specific shipping solutions for research facility transfers
- Institutional Partnerships: Explore volume pricing and support for multi-lab implementations
Feel free to reach out even if you have other ideas to discuss - we want to hear how we can serve researchers and continue growing together.
>> Contact Us for complimentary consultations!
Safe Haven Lab Cages: Advancing neuroscience research through researcher-designed, species-specific laboratory animal housing solutions. From tree shrews to marmosets, we support your research with precision-engineered, welfare-focused caging systems developed by scientists who understand your challenges.
References
Wekselblatt, J. B., Ge, X., Elmore, S. T., Qin, Z., & [others]. (2025). In vivo cytosolic delivery of biomolecules into neurons for super-resolution imaging and genome editing. Advanced Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202501033