Integrated System for Ensemble Recording of Neuronal Activity in the Mammalian Brain

该奖项为多通道记录设备的开发提供了资金，该设备可用于监测哺乳动物大脑中多个单个神经元的活动。虽然现在大多数神经科学家都认为大多数大脑功能反映了许多神经元的协同作用，但由于目前可用的大脑单细胞记录技术的局限性，包括电极放置缺乏自动化，可以同时使用的电极数量相对较少，以及成本相对较高，直接证明一直受到阻碍。待开发的设备应大大改善现有硬件的技术限制，同时不增加所需设备的成本。重要的功能包括一个低成本的操纵系统，可以独立地定位多达64个电极，一个反馈控制系统，将电极的定位与电极检测到的信号耦合，以及一个植入装置，允许植入的电极留在原位进行长期记录。

This award provides funding for the development of a multichannel recording device that can be used to monitor activity of multiple individual neurons in the mammalian brain. Although it is now accepted by most neuroscientists that most brain functions reflect the concerted efforts of many neurons, direct demonstrations have been hampered by the limitations of currently available technology for single-cell recording from the brain, including the lack of automation in electrode placement, a relatively low number of electrodes that can be used simultaneously, and a relatively high cost. The device to be developed should significantly improve on the technical limitations of existing hardware, while not increasing the cost of the equipment needed . Important features include a low cost manipulator system that can position up to 64 electrodes independently of each other, a feedback control system that will couple positioning of the electrodes to the signals detected by the electrodes, and an implant device that allows implanted electrodes to be left in place for long-term recording.