Brain Mapping Using a Graphene Electrode Array.

Cortical maps represent the spatial organization of location-dependent neural responses to sensorimotor stimuli in the cerebral cortex, enabling the prediction of physiologically relevant behaviors. Various methods, such as penetrating electrodes, electroencephalography, positron emission tomography, magnetoencephalography, and functional magnetic resonance imaging, have been used to obtain cortical maps. However, these methods are limited by poor spatiotemporal resolution, low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), high costs, and non-biocompatibility or cause physical damage to the brain.

Distinct Firing Activities of the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus Neurons to Appetite Hormones.

The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc) is a central unit that controls the appetite through the integration of metabolic, hormonal, and neuronal afferent inputs. Agouti-related protein (AgRP), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and dopaminergic neurons in the Arc differentially regulate feeding behaviors in response to hunger, satiety, and appetite, respectively. At the time of writing, the anatomical and electrophysiological characterization of these three neurons has not yet been intensively explored.