We record neuronal activity at single cell resolution from multiple species during natural behaviour

Recent years have seen tremendous breakthroughs in technology to record large populations of neurons in humans and animal models. High-density silicon probes now allow simultaneous recordings from hundreds of neurons with high temporal fidelity (e.g., Neuropixel 2.0). Breakthroughs in miniaturization of optical components and the rapid evolution of genetically encoded optical activity-sensors now also enable the use of small head-mounted 2- and 3-photon microscopes to record even larger numbers of identified neurons and subcellular structures in freely moving animals. In invertebrates, recording close to all neurons in the brain is now possible using methods like light-field imaging.

iBehave PIs are using customized benchtop 2-photon approaches (Beck, Rose, Gründemann, Grunwald Kadow, Kampa, Fuhrmann, Briggman, Kerr), as well as high-yield imaging techniques to record neuronal activity in head-restrained small insect brains (Grunwald Kadow, Schnell, Seelig, Tavosanis), and have established 3-photon technology for deep-brain single-neuron imaging (Fuhrmann, Kerr).

iBehave PIs are at the forefront of developing and using miniature head-mounted microscopes for rodent brain recording during natural behavior (Gründemann, Krabbe, Kerr, Rose). Miniaturized 2- and 3-photon microscopy spearheaded by two local PIs (Kerr, Rose) further strengthens this internationally unique focus of the network.

iBehave PIs are also at the forefront of human functional neuroimaging techniques such as mobile magnetoencephalography (MEG, Jonas, Bach), and will establish a new facility for magnetencephalography using optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), novel quantum optical sensors capable of measuring minute changes in magnetic fields down to a single femtotesla that allow free movement of the subject. A unique feature is the capability to record human neuronal activity at single cell resolution during presurgical evaluation of epilepsy patients.