Spikeling: a low-cost hardware implementation of a spiking neuron for neuroscience teaching and outreach
Spikeling: a low-cost hardware implementation of a spiking neuron for neuroscience teaching and outreach
复制标题
Spikeling：用于神经科学教学和推广的尖峰神经元的低成本硬件实现
DOI：
10.1101/327502
复制
发表时间：
2018
期刊：
影响因子：
--
通讯作者：
Baden T
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Baden T
了解神经元如何编码和计算信息是我们研究大脑的基础，但在科学教育中，使用活神经元的神经生理学技术进行实践的机会很少。在这里，我们介绍了Spikeling，这是一个开源的尖峰神经元的计算机实现，成本为25英镑，模仿了课堂教育和公共神经科学外展的各种神经元行为。Spikeling基于Arduino微控制器，运行尖峰神经元的计算效率高的Izhikevich模型。微控制器连接到模拟突触兴奋或抑制的输入端口，控制电流注入和噪声水平的拨号盘，使Spikeling光敏的光电二极管，以及允许看到和听到尖峰的发光二极管（LED）和扬声器。输出端口提供对变量的访问，例如在实验中记录的膜电位或可用于激发其他连接的Spikelings的数字信号。这些功能允许直观地探索神经元和网络的功能，模仿电生理实验。我们还报告了我们的经验，使用Spikeling作为教学工具的本科生和研究生神经科学教育在尼日利亚和英国。
Understanding how neurons encode and compute information is fundamental to our study of the brain, but opportunities for hands-on experience with neurophysiological techniques on live neurons are scarce in science education. Here, we present Spikeling, an open source in silico implementation of a spiking neuron that costs £25 and mimics a wide range of neuronal behaviours for classroom education and public neuroscience outreach. Spikeling is based on an Arduino microcontroller running the computationally efficient Izhikevich model of a spiking neuron. The microcontroller is connected to input ports that simulate synaptic excitation or inhibition, to dials controlling current injection and noise levels, to a photodiode that makes Spikeling light sensitive, and to a light-emitting diode (LED) and speaker that allows spikes to be seen and heard. Output ports provide access to variables such as membrane potential for recording in experiments or digital signals that can be used to excite other connected Spikelings. These features allow for the intuitive exploration of the function of neurons and networks mimicking electrophysiological experiments. We also report our experience of using Spikeling as a teaching tool for undergraduate and graduate neuroscience education in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.