Assay techniques using nematode worms

#The present invention relates to improved techniques for performing assays using nematode worms, such as nematodes worms from the genus Caernorhabditis.

#In particular, the invention relates to improved techniques for performing assays using nematode worms in multi-well plate format. Such multi-well plate assays may be automated (i.e. using suitable robotics) and/or may be configured for (compound) screening medium to high throughput.

#Other aspects, embodiments and advantages will become clear from the further description hereinbelow.

#For a further description of the above and other assay techniques involving the use of nematodes as a model organism, reference is made to the prior art, such as the applications by applicant referred to above.

#Although the above assay techniques are well established in the art—and have been successfully used by applicant to screen libraries comprising tens-of-thousands chemical compounds—there is a constant need to improve these assays, for example to make them even more robust and reliable. The present invention provides such an improvement, in particular in the following regard:

#As assays based on C.elegans involve the use of a living organism, which can move around in the medium in which it is kept/maintained, the distribution of worms may not be uniform throughout the medium/container. This uneven distribution of worms may interfere with the signal that is measured and thus may affect the reliability of the assay.