Techniques and technology
Monitoring in vivo calcium activity
We use in vivo calcium recording to observe the population activity of neurons across time during decision making, reward seeking, and ingestive behavior. We employ both fiber photometry and endoscopic 1-photon based imaging to monitor neural ensemble activity in awake, freely moving animals as they engage in behavioral tasks. Using optogenetics together with calcium imaging, we aim to gain a fundamental understanding of neuronal circuits that coordinate complex behaviors.
In vivo electrophysiology
We use in vivo electrophysiology to record real-time electrical activity of neurons in awake, freely moving animals. We perform both single-unit and local field potential (LFP) recordings with high temporal resolution to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying decision making, reward seeking, and ingestive behavior. We also combine both optogenetics with in vivo electrophysiology to investigate how neuronal plasticity can shape complex behaviors across time.
Feeding Experimentation Device 3 (FED3) for behavior analysis
Our lab developed an open-source in-cage feeding and behavioral training device (FED3) that is used by >150 labs! FED3 is built with Arduino code, that is readily compatible with fiber photometry and closed-loop optogenetic manipulations. You can find FED3 documentation on our Github site: https://github.com/KravitzLabDevices/FED3
For information on how to get started with FED3 check out https://open-ephys.org/fed3/fed3
Automated homecage activity monitoring
Our lab developed a wireless in-cage activity and environmental sensor, the MR1. We use MR1 devices to perform high-throughput, longitudinal studies of animal activity, with data automatically visualized and analyzed in the cloud. Our cloud-based system represents a new approach to rodent behavioral analysis that is reproducible, searchable, scalable, and shareable.
For more information on the MR1 devices and how to started with this, check out Pallidus.io
