New technology for recording brain cell activity and manipulating specific cell types
Official title: Neuropixels Opto: Integrated Silicon Probes for Cell-Type-Specific Electrophysiology
Funded at Allen Institute · NIH-10908651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new tool that helps scientists see how different brain cells work and how they might be involved in brain diseases by using light to stimulate specific cells, which could lead to better understanding and treatments for conditions affecting the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Allen Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,079,287 |
| NIH project number | 5U01NS133760-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908651 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions that may benefit from targeted brain interventions or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neuronal activity or those who do not have access to the research facilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an advanced tool called Neuropixels Opto, which combines high-density electrophysiological recording with the ability to deliver light to specific brain cells. By using this technology, researchers aim to identify different types of neurons and understand their roles in brain function and disease. The approach involves a technique known as 'optotagging' to manipulate genetically defined neural populations, allowing for a deeper understanding of how these cells contribute to behavior and neurological conditions. The project will utilize cutting-edge fabrication techniques to create a device that can record from thousands of neurons simultaneously while also enabling targeted light stimulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain function and developing targeted therapies for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise with similar electrophysiological techniques, but this specific integration of optogenetics and high-density recording is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Allen Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Svoboda, Karel — Allen Institute
- Study coordinator: Svoboda, Karel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Light Pipe Microscope for ultra-large-scale brain imaging
A new, lighter and cheaper microscope tool could help researchers image brain activity across large areas of the mouse brain in cellular detail.
-
Panoramic, minimally invasive deep-brain imaging interface for broad neural access
A new imaging tool in deep brain areas aims to let scientists see large brain regions at cellular detail with a tiny, minimally invasive probe.
-
SPOCTT 2.0: Understanding Brain Cell Types with AI and Maps
A national brain-research program is creating user-friendly tools and references to map brain cell types, making it easier for scientists and students to explore brain cells in humans and animals.
-
Large brain circuit models run on supercomputers
Aims to create and share powerful computer models of huge brain circuits to understand how thinking and behavior emerge in diseases like Alzheimer’s.
-
Spatial map of Alzheimer's cell types and disease patterns
Researchers are using advanced spatial genomics to map where different brain cells and disease markers sit in Alzheimer's and related dementias, with the goal of understanding what goes wrong in the brain.
-
Single-cell brain study of Alzheimer's disease across regions
A large NIH project will map the cellular and molecular changes in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease using cutting-edge single-cell genomics.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.