Fully-Passive and Wireless Recording of Neural Activity in Freely Moving Animals

A unique system, namely the wireless neurosensing system (WiNS) is tested, for the first time, in a freely moving animal. WiNS was designed to sense neural signals in a battery-free manner, without using complex electronics, and by integrating the key components: (a) implant and external interrogator, (b) neural probes, and (c) demodulation circuit. In this paper, a set of in vivo experiments are carried out to demonstrate recovery of neural signals associated with transitions among states of awareness, and while alternating between resting and walking, i.e. in a freely moving rat. These first ever results were made possible by (a) newly developed low-impedance neural probes to closely match the impedance of WiNS and (b) realization of a new custom 3D printed cap. The collected signals provide concrete proof of this technology's pertinent role in neuroscience.