UCLA researchers just got a $4-million grant from the National Institutes of Health to upgrade their miniscope, a tiny microscope capable of observing an animal’s brain activity in real-time. More specifically, this 1-inch tall microscope that weighs less than 4-grams snaps into a baseplate implanted on top of an animal’s head, capturing neuronal activity that is sent by a thin wire to a computer for analysis.
In the past, neuronal activity could only be observed utilizing much larger, heavier microscopes that had to be fixed in place. This one allows researchers to study brain function in animals while they freely explore their environment. This could help researchers unlock new insights into social behavior, memory and neurological conditions. However, you won’t need a microscope to see Thiomargarita Magnifica, the world’s largest bacteria.
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- 【App Provided】: This microscope is compatible with iPhone, Android phones, and computers, PC. Optional software for IOS, Android, Windows, MacOS...
- 【8 LED light sources】: No additional lighting required, microscope comes with bright natural light, adjustable brightness, and can be used even in...
These are very important tools that can be transformative for any neuroscience question that requires looking at the activity of large populations of brain cells in freely behaving animals,” said Dr. Peyman Golshani, a professor of neurology at UCLA and the grant’s principal investigator.
