Neuronal Circuit All-Optical Programming Environment (NEUROPE)
Control of computational models, neuromorphic devices, and neurobiological experiments
Understanding the computational properties of neurobiological circuits in vivo and in vitro is one of the most intriguing fields of research in experimental neuroscience. Also, empirical evidence can often be accompanied by elegant theoretical explanations based on computational modeling. Despite the progress in these fields, the actual practical realization of experimental paradigms that fully reveal the computational properties of neurobiological circuits within a single experiment is still in its infancy.
This project investigated the technological potential of all-optical electrophysiology for studying computation in neurobiological networks. We aimed to develop cutting-edge software for real-time control and analysis of neuronal circuits, advancing our ability to explore their dynamic and computational capabilities. The project resulted in the design of the software package NeuroSeq (Neuronal Sequencer), which can control full-scale computational models, neuromorphic devices, and neurobiological experiments. It facilitates the creation of stimulation protocols to provide specific input to the network, induce changes in its connectivity, and analyze its functional and computational properties.
NeuroSeq – the first neuronal sequencer for the control of neurobiological systems and their digital and neuromorphic simulations. With the NeuroSeq, a user can program spatially and temporally defined patterns of optogenetic stimulation and analyze associated modulation of neuronal activity.