Topic: ensemble activity

Understanding the neural dynamics underlying motor learning is pivotal for revealing how the brain adapts to acquire new skills. Plasticity in the primary motor cortex is essential for motor skill learning, with Layer 5 pyramidal tract (L5 PT) neurons playing a key role in the process. Previous studies have shown dendritic spines undergo plasticity changes during motor learning, yet the resulting changes at the dendritic level remain unknown. To investigate changes occurring in apical tuft dendrites during motor learning, we performed repeated two-photon calcium imaging of the same L5 PT apic

Silicon electrode arrays with thousands of channels enable read-out of the activity of large populations of neurons, but they induce chronic inflammation in the brain and a decline in signal quality. On the other hand, existing flexible electrode arrays have limitations on how reliably they can be inserted into any targeted depth in the brain while maintaining a high density of recording channels. To address these problems, we developed Ultra-Flexible Tentacle Electrodes (UFTE), where each recording channel is mechanically independent to provide maximal compliance with brain tissue—while also

The posterior medial nucleus (POm) of the thalamus represents a higher-order thalamic nucleus characterized by its reciprocal connections with the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). It exhibits intricate projections to and from motor, premotor, association cortices, and the brainstem. Owing to its distinct firing characteristics and multifaced connectivity profiles, various functions ranging from maintaining arousal to higher somatosensory processing have been attributed to it. To address functional features of the mouse POm, we image relay neuron activity in freely moving mice while they perf