Neuropixels

Neuropixels represent a new type of silicone probes that allow recording of neural activity from a larger volume of the brain than previously possible. Each probe has 384 recording channels, each of which can record from one of 960 metal-oxide-semiconductor sites that span the entire length of the 1 cm long probe. Furthermore, a given channel can be configured to record local field potential signals and action potentials. Finally, the recorded signals are directly amplified and digitized on the base of the probe eliminating noise accumulation related to transferal of data. Thus, Neuropixels allow recording of well-isolated activity from large populations of neurons across many brain areas in behaving animals. In the group we currently employ Neuropixels probes to study the neural mechanisms of sensory integration.