Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Microelectrode array (MEA) is an emerging technology in electrophysiology for assessing the bioelectrical properties (e.g., connectivity, synaptic activity) of neuronal and muscular networks. It offers unprecedented capacity for high resolution recording of local field potential - both spontaneous and stimulated - in cell populations in diverse sample types (e.g., cell culture, brain slice, organoids, isolated organs, and small animals in vivo). The team will employ this powerful technology to: i) dissect cellular mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity of environmental contaminants, ii) assess relationship between neuromuscular activity and behavior, iii) advance understanding of the enteric nervous system in digestion, and iv) advance knowledge of synaptic communication and plasticity in visual-motor function. The use of MEA will remove bottlenecks in pathway analysis and environment-gene-phenotype mapping, the key components of the applicants' research programs. The equipment is also needed urgently to enhance training of a diverse group of multidisciplinary HQPs in electrophysiology, preparing them with highly sought-after and transferable skillsets in biomedical sciences, pharmacology, toxicology, and biotechnology.