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


Deisseroth Lab explores link between cardiac physiology and emotional states
Figure from the recent Deisseroth Lab article in Nature: d, Electrode tracks from n = 5 mice (3 ChRmine and 2 control) over 60 recording sessions co-registered to the common Allen Brain Atlas. e, Locations of recorded single units overlaid onto the Allen Brain Atlas....
Use gaming controllers with the MPM System
The upcoming Pathfinder software release for the Multi-Probe Micromanipulator (MPM) System contains a number of features and enhancements* suggested by our users. One such feature is support for Xbox-style gaming controllers (wired, or with Bluetooth or USB wireless...
MPM System supports research into cellular-level mechanisms underlying brain function
Researchers at the Deisseroth Lab at Stanford University use the MPM Multi-Probe Micromanipulator for in-vivo electrophysiology with optogenetic stimulation. They published results in an article, “Cell-type-specific population dynamics of diverse reward computations,”...
Allen Institute shares protocol for inserting multiple probes in awake, head-fixed mice
Allen Brain Observatory Neuropixels recording rig, from the paper in Nature Protocols. The label “f” indicates one of the six three-axis New Scale manipulators in the rig. As the creator and supplier of the Multi-Probe Manipulator System (MPM), we often are asked to...
Slow insertion of silicon probes improves neural recording quality
A paper provides convincing evidence for the benefits of inserting silicon probes slowly into the brain for acute neural recording. The New Scale MPM Multi-Probe Micromanipulator System enables slow, smooth, and fully programmable insertion speeds.

Big Science. Big Data. Big Discoveries.
NEUROSCIENCE 2022 WRAP-UP By David Henderson, CEO It was great to be in-person for Neuroscience 2022, and to see first-hand the amazing work being done by our partners and customers around the world. The MPM Micro-Manipulator System was shown at four booths: New Scale...
MPM System: Pathfinder Software with trajectory planning and data acquisition apps
NEUROSCIENCE 2022 SNEAK PREVIEW – MPM PATHFINDER The integration of the MPM Multi-Probe Micromanipulator System’s Pathfinder Software with trajectory planning and data acquisition apps with will allow you to simulate, plan, execute, debug and repeat your...
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 Probes
VIDEO – MPM Probe Mount NP2a and Alignment Fixture In case you missed it – here is a recording of the live demo presented by Aaron Solomon, MPM Project Manager, showing the MPM Probe Mount and Alignment Fixture. This hardware simplifies mounting of...
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.