SCFUS is an acronym that stands for "Superior Colliculus-Functional Ultrasound Stimulation," a neuroimaging technique that combines functional ultrasound imaging with optogenetic stimulation to investigate the function and connectivity of brain circuits.
The superior colliculus is a brain structure located in the midbrain region responsible for sensory-motor integration, attention, and eye movement control. Functional ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive neuroimaging technique used to visualize brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygenation.
SCFUS involves the use of a genetically engineered protein, called an optogenetic probe, which can be activated by light to stimulate specific neurons in the superior colliculus. By targeting and activating specific neural populations, researchers can modulate brain activity and study the effects on behavior and cognition.
This technique allows for precise and temporally-controlled neuromodulation, providing insights into the functional connectivity between the superior colliculus and other brain areas. SCFUS can help unravel the neural mechanisms underlying sensory processing, attentional control, and visuomotor behaviors.
Overall, SCFUS offers a powerful tool for neuroscience research, enabling the investigation of complex brain circuitry and the exploration of potential therapeutic targets for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
