A reward-based behavioral platform to measure neural activity during head-fixed behavior

AH Micallef; N Takahashi; ME Larkum; LM Palmer

Journal article

A reward-based behavioral platform to measure neural activity during head-fixed behavior

AH Micallef, N Takahashi, ME Larkum, LM Palmer

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience | FRONTIERS MEDIA SA | Published : 2017

DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00156

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Abstract

Understanding the neural computations that contribute to behavior requires recording from neurons while an animal is behaving. This is not an easy task as most subcellular recording techniques require absolute head stability. The Go/No-Go sensory task is a powerful decision-driven task that enables an animal to report a binary decision during head-fixation. Here we discuss how to set up an Ardunio and Python based platform system to control a Go/No-Go sensory behavior paradigm. Using an Arduino microcontroller and Python-based custom written program, a reward can be delivered to the animal depending on the decision reported. We discuss the various components required to build the behavioral ..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Lucy Palmer Author

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Grants

Awarded by Kanae Foundation for the Promotion of Medical Science

Funding Acknowledgements

LMP is supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia (APP1085708; APP1086082; APP1063533) and Australian Research Council (DP160103047). NT is funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (LA 3442/3-1), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, the Uehara Memorial Foundation, and the Kanae Foundation for the Promotion of Medical Science. MEL is supported by Neuro-Cure Center for Excellence.