
Neuroscience Blog
Updates on what’s happening in the world of micropositioning for neuroscience research.


Optogenetics: Lighting up the brain enables surprising discoveries
Image credit: Laser Focus World / Travis Babola A recent article in Laser Focus World explains the basics of optogenetics and describes newer techniques, like single-cell and holographic optogenetics, that allow neuroscientists to give every cell its own code and to...
Neural Probe Trajectory Planning and Automated Insertion
Obtaining successful in-vivo electrophysiological recordings with silicon neural probes requires a set of carefully executed activities which include: Careful planning of the optimum insertion path. Accurate placement of the probe to enter the brain at the designated...
Using Probe Mount 1AS and Alignment Fixture with Neuropixels 1.0 Probes
By clamping as far back from the probe shank as possible, the MPM Probe Mount 1As allows researchers to maximize the density of probes in multi-probe neural recording experiments. Mount Maximizes Density of Neuropixels 1.0 Probes in Multi-Probe Recording New Scale’s...See the MPM System live at the Allen Institute
New Scale Technologies’ micro-manipulators at the Allen Institute (photos by the Allen Institute) Are you interested in learning about multi-probe experimental techniques with Neuropixels probes… from the experts in extracellular electrophysiology recording?...
Optogenetics and the Multi-Probe Micromanipulator
Optogenetics has progressed rapidly from its beginnings in 2005, thanks in part to advances in supporting fields including photonics and micro-mechatronics. The MPM Micromanipulator is unique in its ability to simultaneously position multiple silicon probes and optical fibers for optogenetics.

SPIE publication explores photonics and the brain
The Jan/Feb 2022 issue of Photonics Focus, a publication of the international society for optics and photonics (SPIE), examines multiple perspectives on photonics and the brain. Several articles suggest future applications for silicon probes, beyond their current use...
Multi-Probe Micromanipulator helps researchers explore fMRI connectivity
An article in Nature Communications describes how researchers in Italy combined neural manipulations, resting-state fMRI and in vivo electrophysiology (using the New Scale MPM Multi-Probe Micromanipulator) to probe how inactivation of a cortical node causally affects brain-wide fMRI coupling in the mouse.

Using the Probe Mount and Alignment Fixture with Neuropixels 2.0 (alpha phase) Probes
How to use the alignment fixture The alignment fixture simplifies mounting of Neuropixels probes onto the MPM Multi-Probe Micromanipulator and other manipulators*. This recording of the live demo shows the use of the Alignment Fixture with two different probe mounts: ...
Leads Bio-Technology Ltd. Brings MPM System to China
Victor, NY – November 2021 – Leads Bio-Technology Limited (Leads Bio-Tech) is the latest addition to the New Scale sales and support network for its Multi-Probe Micromanipulator System (MPM System), a neural probe positioning system used by leading neuroscience...
Allen Institute Introduces Neural Dynamics Division
This month the Allen Institute launched the Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics, a new neuroscience research division focused on the mammalian brain’s computations that give rise to complex behaviors like decision making, learning and memory. New Scale is proud to be...
Join us for Neuroscience 2021
Neuroscience 2021 will take place online November 8-11, 2021. Preview Days are November 3-7, allowing attendees to preview posters as well as full symposia and minisymposia talks prior to the official meeting dates. While we are definitely sad that Neuroscience...
Allen Institute uses Neuropixels probes and New Scale manipulator to reveal how information flows across the brain
The Allen Institute of Brain Science posted a summary of recent work from its MindScope Program. The team uses New Scale Technologies’ Multi-Probe Micromanipulator System to position Neuropixels silicon neural probes at precise locations in a brain. The Neuropixels probes are used to record brain activity in an effort to understand how we perceive the visual world around us.

The Promise of High-Density Silicon Probes for Neural Research
A recent article in Neuron outlines the road map to overcome the existing conceptual and technical challenges for obtaining a detailed understanding of the role of cortical layers in sensory computation and perception. These challenges include the precise positioning...Embedded motion modules enable development of complete neural probe positioning system in only a few months
Case Study: A neuroscience researcher successfully used M3-LS Linear Smart Stage assemblies for positioning of probes during in-vivo recording. New Scale engineers then collaborated on an integrated multi-probe positioning assembly to meet the needs of this market.