PiVR

PiVR enables closed-loop virtual-reality experiments that deliver real-time behavioral tracking and high-resolution optogenetic stimulation to investigate causal relationships between genetically labeled neuron activity and sensorimotor behavior.

Key Features:

• Closed-Loop System: Real-time tracking drives behavior-contingent delivery of light stimuli to study sensorimotor responses.
• High-Resolution Optogenetics: Supports optogenetic stimulation of genetically labeled neurons in unrestrained animals.
• Temporal Resolution: Operates at 70 Hz to provide precise temporal control of stimulus delivery.
• Low Latency: Feedback and stimulus delivery occur with latencies under 30 milliseconds.

Scientific Applications:

• Chemotaxis: Used to study sensory navigation such as Drosophila adult negative chemotaxis where locomotor speed is adjusted to avoid areas associated with optogenetically induced bitter taste.
• Phototaxis: Applied to examine positive phototaxis, for example zebrafish larvae modulating turning maneuvers to orient in virtual white-light gradients.
• Comparative Studies: Enables comparison of behaviors elicited by real versus virtual stimuli, such as odor gradients in Drosophila larvae.

Methodology:

Real-time tracking and closed-loop control deliver light stimuli and virtual gradients for optogenetic manipulation at 70 Hz with latencies under 30 ms.