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IntroductionNeuropathic pain is characterized by mechanical allodynia and thermal (heat and cold) hypersensitivity, yet the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. MethodsUsing chemogenetic excitation and inhibition, we examined the role of inhibitory interneurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in modulating pain perception following nerve injury. ResultsChemogenetic excitation of parvalbumin-positive (PV⁺) interneurons significantly alleviated mechanical allodynia but had minimal effects on thermal hypersensitivity. However, inhibition of PV⁺interneurons did not produce significant changes in pain sensitivity, suggesting that reductions in perisomatic inhibition do not contribute to chronic pain states. In contrast, bidirectional modulation of somatostatin-positive (SST⁺) interneurons influenced pain perception in a modality-specific manner. Both excitation and inhibition of SST⁺interneurons alleviated mechanical allodynia, indicating a potential compensatory role in nociceptive processing. Additionally, SST⁺neuron excitation reduced cold hypersensitivity without affecting heat hypersensitivity, whereas inhibition improved heat hypersensitivity but not cold responses. DiscussionOur findings suggest that, in addition to PV⁺neurons, SST⁺interneurons in the BLA play complex roles in modulating neuropathic pain following nerve injury and may serve as a potential target for future neuromodulation interventions in chronic pain management. 

Abstract Many cognitive and sensory processes are characterized by strong relationships between the timing of neuronal spiking and the phase of ongoing local field potential oscillations. The coupling of neuronal spiking in neocortex to the phase of alpha oscillations (8-12 Hz) has been well studied in nonhuman primates but remains largely unexplored in other mammals. How this alpha modulation of spiking differs between brain areas and cell types, as well as its role in sensory processing and decision making, are not well understood. We used Neuropixels 1.0 probes to chronically record neural activity from somatosensory cortex, prefrontal cortex, striatum, and amygdala in mice performing a whisker-based selective detection task. We observed strong spontaneous alpha modulation of single-neuron spiking activity during inter-trial intervals while mice performed the task. The prevalence and strength of alpha phase modulation differed significantly across regions and between cell types. Phase modulated neurons exhibited stronger responses to both go and no-go stimuli, as well as stronger motor- and reward-related changes in firing rate, than their unmodulated counterparts. The increased responsiveness of phase modulated neurons suggests they are innervated by more diverse populations. Alpha modulation of neuronal spiking during baseline activity also correlated with task performance. In particular, many neurons exhibited strong alpha modulation before correct trials, but not before incorrect trials. These data suggest that dysregulation of spiking activity with respect to alpha oscillations may characterize lapses in attention. 

Abstract With a globally aging population, visual impairment is an increasingly pressing problem for our society. Visual disability drastically reduces quality of life and constitutes a large cost to the health care system. Mobility of the visually impaired is one of the most critical aspects affected by this disability, and yet, it relies on low-tech solutions, such as the white cane. Many avoid solutions entirely. In part, reluctance to use these solutions may be explained by their obtrusiveness, a strong deterrent for the adoption of many new devices. Here, we leverage new advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor systems, and soft electroactive materials toward an electronic travel aid with an obstacle detection and avoidance system for the visually impaired. The travel aid incorporates a stereoscopic camera platform, enabling computer vision, and a wearable haptic device that can stimulate discrete locations on the user’s abdomen to signal the presence of surrounding obstacles. The proposed technology could be integrated into commercial backpacks and support belts, thereby guaranteeing a discreet and unobtrusive solution.