Small Business Grants

Brain function is regulated by molecular signaling and metabolism, however, our ability to track neurometabolic transformations deep in the brain is very underdeveloped compared to the central role of neurometabolism in neurodegenerative disease or brain function in general.

The goal of this proposal is to combine the power of the NEURON mathematical modeling software with the Cybercyte “plug and play” dynamic clamp system. Our product will enable all neuronal electrophysiologists to be able to perform sophisticated NEURON model based dynamic clamp experiments, without any requirement for programming, engineering, or mathematical modeling skills.

This project aims to develop the 2P-ActivityScope™, a revolutionary new microscope based on a technological breakthrough called second-generation Scanned Line Angular Projection (SLAP2) two photon laser scanning microscopy that was recently developed by Dr. Kaspar Podgorski (Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA).

Understanding the brain is a profound and fascinating challenge, captivating the scientific community and the public alike. The lack of effective treatment for most brain disorders makes training the next generation of neuroscientists, engineers and physicians a key concern. However, much neuroscience is perceived to be too difficult to be taught in school. To make neuroscience accessible and engaging to students and teachers, Backyard Brains is developing SpikerBots: fun and affordable robots that look like brains and are controlled by computer simulations of biological brains.

A fundamental goal of the BRAIN Initiative and other neuroscience projects is to map cell types in the brain and study their changes associated with function, disease, and drug treatment.