The Optically Guided and Pre-assembled Implantation Cranial Window Reveals Cortical Spatial Representations during Navigation.

ABSTRACT: Head-mounted miniaturized microscopes have provided new capabilities for neuroscience by enabling neural imaging in freely behaving animals. The long-term application of these microscopes, however, is contingent upon specific and reliable cranial window designs. Here, we introduce optically guided and pre-assembled implantation (OGPI), a standardized cranial window technique designed for head-mounted miniaturized microscope imaging. OGPI employs a cost-effective, minimalist design and offers robust compatibility with miniaturized microscopes. This integrated method ensures precise implantation and supports chronic large-scale neural imaging in freely behaving animals for periods exceeding 8 months. The OGPI method is adaptable, supporting both semiautomated operation for enhanced throughpu

SUBMITTER: Zhao W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12804600 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature