Neuropixels, developed by HHMI’s Tim Harris, are electrodes that record brain activity from hundreds of neurons. Previously, it was not possible to measure the joint activity of individual neurons distributed across brain regions. Recording methods could either resolve the activity of individual neurons or monitor multiple brain regions.

UCL, Allen Institute for Brain Science, IMEC researchers collaborated on the study. The team is now developing a four-shank probe with a smaller base, for chronic recordings, and optrodes that combine recording with optical stimulation, for optogenetic experiments.