Miniature Neurologgers for Flying Pigeons: Multichannel EEG and Action and Field Potentials in Combination With GPS Recording

Abstract

To study the neurophysiology of large-scale spatial cognition, we analyzed the neuronal activity of navigating homing pigeons. This is not possible using conventional radio-telemetry suitable for short distances only. Therefore we developed a miniaturized data logger (“neurologger”) that can be carried by a homing pigeon on its back, in conjunction with a micro-global position system (GPS) logger recording the spatial position of the bird. In its present state, the neurologger permits recording from up to eight single-ended or differential electrodes in a walking or flying pigeon. Inputs from eight independent channels are preamplified, band-pass filtered, and directed to an eight-channel, 10-bit analog-digital converter of the microcontroller storing data on a “Multimedia” or “Secure Digital” card. For electroencephalography (EEG), the logger permits simultaneous recordings of up to eight channels during maximally 47 h, depending on memory, while single unit activity from two channels can be stored over 9 h. The logger permits single unit separation from recorded multiunit signals. The neurologger with GPS represents a better alternative to telemetry that will eventually permit to record neuronal activity during cognitive and innate behavior of many species moving freely in their habitats but will also permit automated high-throughput screening of EEG in the laboratory.

Global slowing of network oscillations in mouse neocortex by diazepam

“…EEG recordings were performed with a miniaturized data logger (Neurologger 2A), an advanced version of the device previously described (Vyssotski et al, 2006(Vyssotski et al, , 2009 with the reference connected to ground. The input impedance of all recording channels including reference was larger than 30 MOhm.…”

Do birds sleep in flight?

“…Until recently, EEG recording devices were too large for a bird to carry in flight. However, Vyssotski et al (2006) recently developed and successfully deployed an EEG and a global positioning system (GPS) logger on pigeons during short, daytime homing flights to their loft. While in flight, the EEG showed bihemispheric activation indicative of wakefulness.…”

HermesB: A Continuous Neural Recording System for Freely Behaving Primates

“…Recording systems have been developed for freely behaving animals [16]- [18]. However, these systems often have one or more of the following limitations: 1) they cannot sample at full broadband (30 kS/s), potentially missing relevant signal features; 2) their battery life or storage capacity is limited to a few hours or less for broadband recording; 3) they cannot switch recording parameters, such as input channel, autonomously, limiting the range of possible experiments; and 4) they are not designed or tested for portable use with primates.…”