Journal Paper: Wireless Multi-Channel Recording System for Freely Behaving Rats and Mice Published

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) July 13, 2011 -- To understand the neural basis of behavior, it is necessary to record brain activity in freely moving animals. Advances in
implantable multi-electrode array technology have enabled researchers to record the activity of neuronal ensembles from
multiple brain regions. The full potential of this approach is currently limited by reliance on cable tethers, with bundles of
wires connecting the implanted electrodes to the data acquisition system while impeding the natural behavior of the

animal. To overcome these limitations, here we introduce a multi-channel wireless headstage system designed for small
animals such as rats and mice. A variety of single unit and local field potential signals were recorded from the dorsal
striatum and substantia nigra in mice and the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex simultaneously in rats. This wireless
system could be interfaced with commercially available data acquisition systems, and the signals obtained were comparable
in quality to those acquired using cable tethers. On account of its small size, light weight, and rechargeable battery, this

wireless headstage system is suitable for studying the neural basis of natural behavior, eliminating the need for wires,
commutators, and other limitations associated with traditional tethered recording systems.

behaviour     Data Acquisition     headstage     neural recording     Neuroscience     psychology     small animals     wireless