Visualization of Simulated Brain

For the first time, scientists are able to see the brain electrically prodded at the cellular level. For years, electrical stimulation has been used to treat the human brain and has helped identify regions responsible for specific neural functions. Originally it is difficult to measure the small currents produced by neurons due to the high voltages applied to stimulate the brain. The solution is a new form of optical imaging called two-photon microscopy, tracking calcium levels of neurons. Since calcium levels spike every time a neuron fires, the team could monitor which neurons were being triggered.

Interestingly, neural response to electrical currents isn't localized and not all neurons surrounding an electrode fire at once. These findings will appear in the August 27 issue of "Neuron".

Reference: Science Daily