Neuropixels

Waiver Rationale Summary

Dr. Barry Richmond’s Section on Neural Coding and Computation (SNCC) of the Intramural Research Program (IRP) of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) records large numbers of neurons simultaneously from specific brain locations in nonhuman primates during behavior. This is a highly specialized activity (called electrophysiology) that requires months, often more than a year, of preparation and customization of equipment. Much of this preparation centers around the electrodes used for recording in the brain. The technology of the electrodes is intimately associated with the specialized electronic and mechanical apparatus used in the experiment. Neuropixels are an advanced technology recently developed for studying nonhuman primate brain function. The need is for additional electrodes of this exact type. The electrodes, electronics and mechanical adaptations are highly integrated. There are no other electrodes that can be used in the apparatus. There is over a year of work in preparing for using this advanced technology in recording experiments. These specific electrodes are essential to fulfil the requirements of the research. The Laboratory of Neuropsychology investigates higher brain functions such as learning, memory, and reward-related decision making. These studies require electrodes to explore deep structures in the nonhuman primate brain to evaluate the relationship between these structures and primate behavior. Electrodes are used to interrogate the brain activity associated with motivated behaviors and study the circuitry involved in decision making. This purchase is for very specific electrodes, ones especially suited to study deep areas of the nonhuman primate brain and sample activity across a very large number (e.g., hundreds to thousands) of single neurons on a daily basis. These recordings will lead to a better understanding of how different brain regions contribute to making both adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. Understanding these fundamental processes is an important part of the mission of the NIMH. The specified electrodes have been tested and validated in nonhuman primate brain recording.