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Smith RD, Kolb I, Tanaka S, Lee AK, Harris TD, Barbic M. Robotic multi-probe single-actuator inchworm neural microdrive. eLife 2022; 11:71876. [PMID: 36355598 PMCID: PMC9651949 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide range of techniques in neuroscience involve placing individual probes at precise locations in the brain. However, large-scale measurement and manipulation of the brain using such methods have been severely limited by the inability to miniaturize systems for probe positioning. Here, we present a fundamentally new, remote-controlled micropositioning approach composed of novel phase-change material-filled resistive heater micro-grippers arranged in an inchworm motor configuration. The microscopic dimensions, stability, gentle gripping action, individual electronic control, and high packing density of the grippers allow micrometer-precision independent positioning of many arbitrarily shaped probes using a single piezo actuator. This multi-probe single-actuator design significantly reduces the size and weight and allows for potential automation of microdrives. We demonstrate accurate placement of multiple electrodes into the rat hippocampus in vivo in acute and chronic preparations. Our robotic microdrive technology should therefore enable the scaling up of many types of multi-probe applications in neuroscience and other fields.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilya Kolb
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
| | | | - Albert K Lee
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
| | | | - Mladen Barbic
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
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Francoeur MJ, Tang T, Fakhraei L, Wu X, Hulyalkar S, Cramer J, Buscher N, Ramanathan DR. Chronic, Multi-Site Recordings Supported by Two Low-Cost, Stationary Probe Designs Optimized to Capture Either Single Unit or Local Field Potential Activity in Behaving Rats. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:678103. [PMID: 34421671 PMCID: PMC8374626 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.678103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodent models of cognitive behavior have greatly contributed to our understanding of human neuropsychiatric disorders. However, to elucidate the neurobiological underpinnings of such disorders or impairments, animal models are more useful when paired with methods for measuring brain function in awake, behaving animals. Standard tools used for systems-neuroscience level investigations are not optimized for large-scale and high-throughput behavioral battery testing due to various factors including cost, time, poor longevity, and selective targeting limited to measuring only a few brain regions at a time. Here we describe two different "user-friendly" methods for building extracellular electrophysiological probes that can be used to measure either single units or local field potentials in rats performing cognitive tasks. Both probe designs leverage several readily available, yet affordable, commercial products to facilitate ease of production and offer maximum flexibility in terms of brain-target locations that can be scalable (32-64 channels) based on experimental needs. Our approach allows neural activity to be recorded simultaneously with behavior and compared between micro (single unit) and more macro (local field potentials) levels of brain activity in order to gain a better understanding of how local brain regions and their connected networks support cognitive functions in rats. We believe our novel probe designs make collecting electrophysiology data easier and will begin to fill the gap in knowledge between basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda J. Francoeur
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Tianzhi Tang
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Leila Fakhraei
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Xuanyu Wu
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Sidharth Hulyalkar
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jessica Cramer
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nathalie Buscher
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Dhakshin R. Ramanathan
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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Klein L, Pothof F, Raducanu BC, Klon-Lipok J, Shapcott KA, Musa S, Andrei A, Aarts AA, Paul O, Singer W, Ruther P. High-density electrophysiological recordings in macaque using a chronically implanted 128-channel passive silicon probe. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:026036. [PMID: 32217819 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab8436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The analysis of interactions among local populations of neurons in the cerebral cortex (e.g. within cortical microcolumns) requires high resolution and high channel count recordings from chronically implanted laminar microelectrode arrays. The request for high-density recordings of a large number of recording sites can presently only be accomplished by probes realized using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In preparation for their use in non-human primates, we aimed for neural probe validation in a head-fixed approach analyzing the long-term recording capability. APPROACH We examined chronically implanted silicon-based laminar probes, realized using a CMOS technology in combination with micromachining, to record from the primary visual cortex (V1) of a monkey. We used a passive CMOS probe that had 128 electrodes arranged at a pitch of 22.5 µm in four columns and 32 rows on a slender shank. In order to validate the performance of a dedicated microdrive, the overall dimensions of probe and interface boards were chosen to be compatible with the final active CMOS probe comprising integrated circuitry. MAIN RESULTS Using the passive probe, we recorded simultaneously local field potentials (LFP) and spiking multiunit activity (MUA) in V1 of an awake behaving macaque monkey. We found that an insertion through the dura and subsequent readjustments of the chronically implanted neural probe was possible and allowed us to record stable LFPs for more than five months. The quality of MUA degraded within the first month but remained sufficiently high to permit mapping of receptive fields during the full recording period. SIGNIFICANCE We conclude that the passive silicon probe enables semi-chronic recordings of high quality of LFP and MUA for a time span exceeding five months. The new microdrive compatible with a commercial recording chamber successfully demonstrated the readjustment of the probe position while the implemented plug structure effectively reduced brain tissue movement relative to the probe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liane Klein
- Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) gGmbH for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society, Deutschordenstraße 46, D-60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max von Laue Str. 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. These authors have contributed equally to this work
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Polo-Castillo LE, Villavicencio M, Ramírez-Lugo L, Illescas-Huerta E, Moreno MG, Ruiz-Huerta L, Gutierrez R, Sotres-Bayon F, Caballero-Ruiz A. Reimplantable Microdrive for Long-Term Chronic Extracellular Recordings in Freely Moving Rats. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:128. [PMID: 30846926 PMCID: PMC6393392 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular recordings of electrical activity in freely moving rats are fundamental to understand brain function in health and disease. Such recordings require a small-size, lightweight device that includes movable electrodes (microdrive) to record either a new set of neurons every day or the same set of neurons over time. Ideally, microdrives should be easy to implant, allowing precise and smooth displacement of electrodes. The main caveat of most commercially available microdrives is their relatively short half-life span, in average ranging from weeks to a month. For most experiments, recording days-weeks is sufficient, but when the experiment depends on training animals for several months, it is crucial to develop new approaches. Here, we present a low-cost, reusable, and reimplantable device design as a solution to extend chronic recordings to long-term. This device is composed of a baseplate that is permanently fixed to the rodent's skull, as well as a reusable and replaceable microdrive that can be attached and detached from the baseplate, allowing its implantation and reimplantation. Reimplanting this microdrive is particularly convenient when no clear neuronal signal is present, or when the signal gradually decays across days. Our microdrive incorporates a mechanism for moving a 16 tungsten-wire bundle within a small (∼15 mm3) lightweight device (∼4 g). We present details of the design, manufacturing, and assembly processes. As a proof of concept, we show that recordings of the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc) in a freely behaving rat are stable over a month. Additionally, during a lever-press task, we found, as expected, that NAc single-unit activity was associated with rewarded lever presses. Furthermore, we also show that NAc shell (NAcSh) responses evoked by freely licking for sucrose, consistent with our previously published results, were conserved from a first implant to a second microdrive reimplant in the same rat, notably showing reimplantation is possible without overtly affecting the functional responses of the area of interest. In sum, here we present a novel microdrive design (low-cost, small size, and light weight) that can be used for long-term chronic recordings and reimplanted in freely behaving rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopoldo Emmanuel Polo-Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,National Laboratory for Additive and Digital Manufacturing, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Villavicencio
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Appetite, Department of Pharmacology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leticia Ramírez-Lugo
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Illescas-Huerta
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mario Gil Moreno
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Appetite, Department of Pharmacology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leopoldo Ruiz-Huerta
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,National Laboratory for Additive and Digital Manufacturing, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ranier Gutierrez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Appetite, Department of Pharmacology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco Sotres-Bayon
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alberto Caballero-Ruiz
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,National Laboratory for Additive and Digital Manufacturing, Mexico City, Mexico
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Jovalekic A, Cavé-Lopez S, Canopoli A, Ondracek JM, Nager A, Vyssotski AL, Hahnloser RHR. A lightweight feedback-controlled microdrive for chronic neural recordings. J Neural Eng 2017; 14:026006. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aa5848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Freedman DS, Schroeder JB, Telian GI, Zhang Z, Sunil S, Ritt JT. OptoZIF Drive: a 3D printed implant and assembly tool package for neural recording and optical stimulation in freely moving mice. J Neural Eng 2016; 13:066013. [PMID: 27762238 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/13/6/066013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Behavioral neuroscience studies in freely moving rodents require small, light-weight implants to facilitate neural recording and stimulation. Our goal was to develop an integrated package of 3D printed parts and assembly aids for labs to rapidly fabricate, with minimal training, an implant that combines individually positionable microelectrodes, an optical fiber, zero insertion force (ZIF-clip) headstage connection, and secondary recording electrodes, e.g. for electromyography (EMG). APPROACH Starting from previous implant designs that position recording electrodes using a control screw, we developed an implant where the main drive body, protective shell, and non-metal components of the microdrives are 3D printed in parallel. We compared alternative shapes and orientations of circuit boards for electrode connection to the headstage, in terms of their size, weight, and ease of wire insertion. We iteratively refined assembly methods, and integrated additional assembly aids into the 3D printed casing. MAIN RESULTS We demonstrate the effectiveness of the OptoZIF Drive by performing real time optogenetic feedback in behaving mice. A novel feature of the OptoZIF Drive is its vertical circuit board, which facilities direct ZIF-clip connection. This feature requires angled insertion of an optical fiber that still can exit the drive from the center of a ring of recording electrodes. We designed an innovative 2-part protective shell that can be installed during the implant surgery to facilitate making additional connections to the circuit board. We use this feature to show that facial EMG in mice can be used as a control signal to lock stimulation to the animal's motion, with stable EMG signal over several months. To decrease assembly time, reduce assembly errors, and improve repeatability, we fabricate assembly aids including a drive holder, a drill guide, an implant fixture for microelectode 'pinning', and a gold plating fixture. SIGNIFICANCE The expanding capability of optogenetic tools motivates continuing development of small optoelectric devices for stimulation and recording in freely moving mice. The OptoZIF Drive is the first to natively support ZIF-clip connection to recording hardware, which further supports a decrease in implant cross-section. The integrated 3D printed package of drive components and assembly tools facilities implant construction. The easy interfacing and installation of auxiliary electrodes makes the OptoZIF Drive especially attractive for real time feedback stimulation experiments.
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Yang S, MacLachlan RA, Riviere CN. Manipulator Design and Operation for a Six-Degree-of-Freedom Handheld Tremor-Canceling Microsurgical Instrument. IEEE/ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS : A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE IEEE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS SOCIETY AND THE ASME DYNAMIC SYSTEMS AND CONTROL DIVISION 2015; 20:761-772. [PMID: 25419103 PMCID: PMC4235034 DOI: 10.1109/tmech.2014.2320858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the design and actuation of a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) manipulator for a handheld instrument, known as "Micron," which performs active tremor compensation during microsurgery. The design incorporates a Gough-Stewart platform based on piezoelectric linear motor, with a specified minimum workspace of a cylinder 4 mm long and 4 mm in diameter at the end-effector. Given the stall force of the motors and the loading typically encountered in vitreoretinal microsurgery, the dimensions of the manipulator are optimized to tolerate a transverse load of 0.2 N on a remote center of motion near the midpoint of the tool shaft. The optimization yields a base diameter of 23 mm and a height of 37 mm. The fully handheld instrument includes a custom-built optical tracking system for control feedback, and an ergonomic housing to serve as a handle. The manipulation performance was investigated in both clamped and handheld conditions. In positioning experiments with varying side loads, the manipulator tolerates side load up to 0.25 N while tracking a sinusoidal target trajectory with less than 20 μm error. Physiological hand tremor is reduced by about 90% in a pointing task, and error less than 25 μm is achieved in handheld circle-tracing.
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Abstract
Low-voltage-activated T-type Ca(2+) channels are widely expressed in various types of neurons. Once deinactivated by hyperpolarization, T-type channels are ready to be activated by a small depolarization near the resting membrane potential and, therefore, are optimal for regulating the excitability and electroresponsiveness of neurons under physiological conditions near resting states. Ca(2+) influx through T-type channels engenders low-threshold Ca(2+) spikes, which in turn trigger a burst of action potentials. Low-threshold burst firing has been implicated in the synchronization of the thalamocortical circuit during sleep and in absence seizures. It also has been suggested that T-type channels play an important role in pain signal transmission, based on their abundant expression in pain-processing pathways in peripheral and central neurons. In this review, we will describe studies on the role of T-type Ca(2+) channels in the physiological as well as pathological generation of brain rhythms in sleep, absence epilepsy, and pain signal transmission. Recent advances in studies of T-type channels in the control of cognition will also be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Cheong
- Department of Biotechnology, Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Anand S, Sutanto J, Baker MS, Okandan M, Muthuswamy J. Electrothermal Microactuators With Peg Drive Improve Performance for Brain Implant Applications. JOURNAL OF MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS : A JOINT IEEE AND ASME PUBLICATION ON MICROSTRUCTURES, MICROACTUATORS, MICROSENSORS, AND MICROSYSTEMS 2012; 21:1172-1186. [PMID: 24431926 PMCID: PMC3889018 DOI: 10.1109/jmems.2012.2203789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a new actuation scheme for in-plane bidirectional translation of polysilicon microelectrodes. The new Chevron-peg actuation scheme uses microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based electrothermal microactuators to move microelectrodes for brain implant applications. The design changes were motivated by specific needs identified by the in vivo testing of an earlier generation of MEMS microelectrodes that were actuated by the Chevron-latch type of mechanism. The microelectrodes actuated by the Chevron-peg mechanism discussed here show improved performance in the following key areas: higher force generation capability (111 μN per heat strip compared to 50 μN), reduced power consumption (91 mW compared to 360 mW), and reliable performance with consistent forward and backward movements of microelectrodes. Failure analysis of the Chevron-latch and the Chevron-peg type of actuation schemes showed that the latter is more robust to wear over four million cycles of operation. The parameters for the activation waveforms for Chevron-peg actuators were optimized using statistical analysis. Waveforms with a 1-ms time period and a 1-Hz frequency of operation showed minimal error between the expected and the actual movement of the microelectrodes. The new generation of Chevron-peg actuators and microelectrodes are therefore expected to enhance the longevity and performance of implanted microelectrodes in the brain. [2011-0341].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhu Anand
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-9709 USA
| | - Jemmy Sutanto
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-9709 USA
| | - Michael S Baker
- M. S. Baker and M. Okandan are with the Department on Intelligent Micromachine, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185-1080 USA
| | - Murat Okandan
- M. S. Baker and M. Okandan are with the Department on Intelligent Micromachine, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185-1080 USA
| | - Jit Muthuswamy
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-9709 USA
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Tseng WT, Yen CT, Tsai ML. A bundled microwire array for long-term chronic single-unit recording in deep brain regions of behaving rats. J Neurosci Methods 2011; 201:368-76. [PMID: 21889539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2011.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ting Tseng
- Institute of Zoology and Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Muthuswamy J, Anand S, Sridharan A. Adaptive movable neural interfaces for monitoring single neurons in the brain. Front Neurosci 2011; 5:94. [PMID: 21927593 PMCID: PMC3168918 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2011.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Implantable microelectrodes that are currently used to monitor neuronal activity in the brain in vivo have serious limitations both in acute and chronic experiments. Movable microelectrodes that adapt their position in the brain to maximize the quality of neuronal recording have been suggested and tried as a potential solution to overcome the challenges with the current fixed implantable microelectrodes. While the results so far suggest that movable microelectrodes improve the quality and stability of neuronal recordings from the brain in vivo, the bulky nature of the technologies involved in making these movable microelectrodes limits the throughput (number of neurons that can be recorded from at any given time) of these implantable devices. Emerging technologies involving the use of microscale motors and electrodes promise to overcome this limitation. This review summarizes some of the most recent efforts in developing movable neural interfaces using microscale technologies that adapt their position in response to changes in the quality of the neuronal recordings. Key gaps in our understanding of the brain-electrode interface are highlighted. Emerging discoveries in these areas will lead to success in the development of a reliable and stable interface with single neurons that will impact basic neurophysiological studies and emerging cortical prosthetic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jit Muthuswamy
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University Tempe, AZ, USA
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