Researchers have developed a technique to record neurons in the brain and determine which synapses are linked. The technique, called serial two-photon tomography, takes advantage of a multiphoton microscope to record simultaneous activity from large numbers of neurons at the microscopic level.
The microscope shines femtosecond laser pulses into the brain, which are absorbed by fluorescent molecules that label the neurons. The fluorescence signal is then used to determine which synapses are linked.
The researchers used serial two-photon tomography to record activity from more than 8,000 neurons in the brain of a mouse. They were able to identify more than 1,000 synapses that were linked.
The technique could be used to map the circuitry of the brain and understand how it works. It could also be used to study the effects of drugs or other interventions on the brain.
The study was published in the journal Nature Methods.
According to a new study, published in the journal ” Nature”, engineers have found a way to precisely record the electrical activity of neurons in the brains of awake, behaving animals.
This technique could help neuroscientists to better understand how the brain works and could also lead to new treatment options for neurological disorders.
The researchers used a new type of nanoelectrode to record the electrical activity of neurons in the brains of mice. They were able to identify individual synapses – the junctions between neurons – and to see how they were connected.
This is the first time that scientists have been able to record the activity of neurons at such a high resolution in awake, behaving animals.
The new technique could help neuroscientists to understand how the brain works, and could also lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.
