Analysis: Slow insertion speeds improve quality in acute neural recording

NEW SCALE NEWS

LIFE SCIENCE LAB AUTOMATION EDITION

January 31, 2023

Dear Colleague,

This month we're pleased to share an important article on silicon probe insertion speeds, and an update on the new features in development for the MPM Pathfinder Software. It is an honor to be working with leading researchers on this project!

- The MPM Team at New Scale Technologies

FROM THE RESEARCH LABS

Slow insertion of silicon probes improves neural recording quality

IMAGE - MPM SYSTEM automatic insertion mode showing programmable probe insertion speed.

Automatic Insertion Mode in the MPM Multi-Probe Micromanipulator System enables slow, smooth insertion of silicon neural probes.

Several labs have recommended an article in Scientific Reports, by researchers at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest, as convincing evidence for the benefits of inserting silicon probes slowly into the brain.

Read about the insertion speed tests and conclusions, and the experience of MPM System users regarding probe insertion speeds.

Read about probe insertion speeds

PRODUCT UPDATE

MPM Pathfinder V2.8.2 is in alpha testing

The next release of Pathfinder Software with Virtual Coordinate System (VCS) is now in alpha testing. We’re excited about the new features being developed with input from leading research labs. Here are a few of the new features scheduled for release in Q2.

Integration of trajectory planning and DAQ apps as announced at Neuroscience 2022. This integration is enabled by an HTTP server in the Pathfinder software.

A calibration block for an adult rat brain. (Thanks to David Herr at EPA for this request.)

Integration of an Xbox-style wireless controller as an alternative to the joystick. (Thanks to Kate Hong at CMU and Andy Peters at Oxford for this feature suggestion.)

IMAGE from Andy Peters - instructions for setting up New Scale Pathfinder and Trajectory Explorer

Beta testing at Peters Lab, the University of Oxford – Neuropixels Trajectory Explorer (NTE) with New Scale Pathfinder with VCS. The ‘New Scale’ button in the NTE is green, and the number of probes and positions in the NTE match those in the New Scale Pathfinder as they are moved.

We will be looking for beta testers early this year. Please contact us if you're interested.

In case you missed it: Watch the MPM Pathfinder introduction video

MPM USER PORTAL

Get Product Alerts, Tech Tips and More

Recent additions to the MPM User Portal include:

Tech Note for Pathway MPM Software: Recovering Missing Window(s)

The Pathway MPM software saves the window sizes and locations when the application closes and restores them to their previous locations on next startup. Depending on how the exit occurs, it’s possible that one or more of the application windows will not appear on the next start-up (though the task bar may show it exists). Here’s how to recover the missing windows.

3D STEP files for the MPM-ProbeMount-1AS

The files aid in 3D analysis to avoid collisions with Neuopixels 1.0 probes.

If you're an MPM Multi-Probe Manipulator user, please register for a user portal account. This is the best way to make sure you get user tips, product alerts, answers to commonly asked questions, access to a full library of how-to videos, and more.

If you've recently changed labs, please drop us an email and we'll update your portal information.

email: NSTsales@newscaletech.com

call: (585) 924-4450

visit: www.newscaletech.com

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New Scale Technologies develops and manufactures the smallest and most precise closed-loop positioning solutions available. Our “all-in-one” M3 Smart Modules with built-in controllers are easy to integrate with handheld and portable instruments. We enable smaller, smarter imaging systems, scientific instruments, medical devices, aerospace and defense systems and more. Our customers achieve the fastest results with the lowest total cost.

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