View the seminar recording here (Imperial College members only) or contact k.hobson@imperial.ac.uk to request access.
Centre for Neurotechnology seminar from Suhasa Kodandaramaiah
Benjamin Mayhugh Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota
Technologies for large scale cortical imaging and electrophysiology
Abstract: Neural computations occurring simultaneously in multiple cerebral cortical regions are critical for mediating behaviors. Progress has been made in understanding how neural activity in specific cortical regions contributes to behavior. However, there is a lack of tools that allow simultaneous monitoring and perturbing neural activity from multiple cortical regions. We have engineered a suite of technologies to enable easy, robust access to much of the dorsal cortex of mice for optical and electrophysiological recordings. First, I will describe microsurgery robots that can programmed to perform delicate microsurgical procedures such as large bilateral craniotomies across the cortex and skull thinning in a semi-automated fashion. Next, I will describe digitally designed, morphologically realistic, transparent polymer skulls that allow long-term (>300 days) optical access. These polymer skulls allow mesoscopic imaging, as well as cellular and subcellular resolution two-photon imaging of neural structures up to 600 µm deep. We next engineered a widefield, miniaturized, head-mounted fluorescence microscope that is compatible with transparent polymer skull preparations. With a field of view of 8 × 10 mm2 and weighing less than 4 g, the ‘mini-mScope’ can image most of the mouse dorsal cortex with resolutions ranging from 39 to 56 µm. We used the mini-mScope to record mesoscale calcium activity across the dorsal cortex during sensory-evoked stimuli, open field behaviors, social interactions and transitions from wakefulness to sleep.
Bio: Dr. Kodandaramaiah obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the Vishveshwaraiah Technological University in India, a Masters degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology, all in Mechanical Engineering. Between 2013-15, he was a Post-Doctoral Associate in the Media Lab and McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research is at the intersection of robotics, precision engineering and neuroscience. During his graduate studies and post-doctoral training, Dr. Kodandaramaiah has developed robotic tools for observing and analyzing neuronal circuit computations in intact living brains. In 2010, the work was awarded the R. V. Jones Memorial Award by the American Society for Precision Engineering. In 2012, Dr. Kodandaramaiah was recognized by Forbes magazine’s 30 under 30 list of rising researchers in science and healthcare.
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