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.
- 2.0 inch IPS color screen: In the digital microscope magnifier screen observation mode, you could take photos, and review in real-time. With storage...
- Connect the computer/PC : You can connect your computer or PC through a Type-C usb cable, then open the built-in camera software on the computer to...
- Focusing mode: Fixed ultra macro, Max Fixed magnification up to 500x, 4x zoom adjustment knob. Simply place the microscope flat on the surface of the...
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.
