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BAMBI: A Ca2+ imaging-based brain-computer interface for longitudinal neuronal tracking in freely behaving mice
Linor Balilti-Turgeman1, Nitzan Shalvi1, Or Pinchasof1
1Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|June 22, 2026
Summary
We developed BAMBI, a novel brain-computer interface (BCI) system using Ca²⁺ imaging. BAMBI enables long-term tracking of the same neurons in freely behaving mice, advancing neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are crucial for studying neural dynamics in cognition.
- Electrophysiological BCIs face limitations in tracking neuronal populations long-term.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a BCI system capable of longitudinal neuronal tracking.
- To overcome limitations of existing BCIs for extended timescale studies.
Main Methods:
- Developed BAMBI (BCI Applying Mini-microscopes and Behavioral Imaging) system.
- Utilized real-time Ca²⁺ imaging for neuronal activity tracking.
- Enabled tracking in freely behaving mice over extended periods.
Main Results:
- BAMBI reliably tracks the same neurons across multiple days without retraining.
- Demonstrated stable BCI performance in both head-fixed and freely moving mice.
- Mice learned to modulate specific hippocampal neurons for rewards over multiple days.
Conclusions:
- Ca²⁺ imaging-based BCIs are viable for longitudinal studies of neuronal populations.
- BAMBI facilitates research on neuronal dynamics over extended timescales.
- This technology advances the study of long-term neuronal processes.
