GoKawiilStimulating ~20 motor cortex neurons triggers learned movements in mice
Researchers used two-photon imaging and holographic optogenetics to stimulate small groups of neurons in the motor cortex of mice trained on a lever-pressing task. Briefly activating about 20 neurons whose firing normally precedes voluntary movement produced both movements resembling the learned action and brain activity patterns resembling the natural learned pattern. The effect depended on the mouse being task-engaged and on stimulating the correct, early-firing neurons rather than ones that fire after movement onset.