Large-scale imaging in small brains

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2015 Jun:32:78-86. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2015.01.007. Epub 2015 Jan 28.

Abstract

The dense connectivity in the brain means that one neuron's activity can influence many others. To observe this interconnected system comprehensively, an aspiration within neuroscience is to record from as many neurons as possible at the same time. There are two useful routes toward this goal: one is to expand the spatial extent of functional imaging techniques, and the second is to use animals with small brains. Here we review recent progress toward imaging many neurons and complete populations of identified neurons in small vertebrates and invertebrates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena / physiology*
  • Functional Neuroimaging / methods*
  • Models, Animal*
  • Neuroimaging / methods*
  • Neurons / physiology*