KRAUZLIS ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY RECORDING SYSTEM

Purpose. The purpose of this acquisition is to obtain a complete electrophysiological recording system that will enhance the capability of the Visual Circuits Section, Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research (LSR), National Eye Institute Intramural Research Program, to record from large populations of neurons simultaneously during visual and visually guided behavioral tasks. 

Acquisition outcome. The contractor shall deliver, install, configure, demonstrate, and support a fully functional electrophysiology recording system capable of simultaneous high-channel-count neural recording, including compatible probes, electronics, software, licenses, documentation, training, and accessories necessary for operation. 

Specification / Configuration  

Background Information: 

Good vision depends critically on the brain's central pathways that process visual information and control the movements of our eyes, head, and body. These central visual pathways underlie our ability to perform routine yet sophisticated acts of sensorimotor coordination, such as reading a book, preparing a meal with family, walking down the street, or recognizing a friend. Conversely, problems with these central pathways are responsible for some of the most common, disruptive, and costly visual dysfunctions, as evident in cerebral visual impairment, attention deficit disorders and Parkinson’s disease, among others.  

The goal of the Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research (LSR) is to understand the brain systems that underlie visual abilities, to identify how abnormalities in these visual circuits can cause disorders of sensory-motor coordination, perception, and cognition, and to use this knowledge to develop novel and more effective therapies. A fundamental technique for advancing our understanding is to record from identified neurons in the brain while subjects process visual information and perform visually guided tasks. 

Recently, modern technologies have made it possible to record from hundreds of neurons simultaneously, which can provide a dramatically more detailed picture of the patterns of neuronal activity in the brain. This more detailed picture opens new possibilities for solving basic problems about how the brain codes and processes visual information. The current electrophysiological recording (“ephys”) systems we have in the lab can accommodate up to 32 or 64 recording channels. The purpose of this acquisition is to update or replace one of these systems with a modern system capable of recording from hundreds of neurons simultaneously.