Optogenetics
Optogenetics is a relatively recent technique which uses light to precisely manipulate neural activity (neuromodulation). It involves transfecting targeted cells with an opsin (photosensitive protein) and exciting or silencing them with pulses of visible light. Compared to conventional electrical stimulation, optogenetics reduces the activation of neighbouring cells ensuring that stimulation is highly targeted and results in specific physiological and behavioural effects.
The Kaha Sciences Optogenetics telemeter from ADInstruments is the first fully implantable, controllable optogenetics stimulator for use in rats that can also record biopotential (EEG, ECG, EMG) signals. An ideal solution for chronic and therapeutic research applications including heart pacing, seizure suppression and reducing abnormal motor symptoms. This telemeter allows researchers to apply extended optogenetic stimulation protocols and record quantitative biopotential data in long-term experiments without the restrictions of battery power and tethers.

Products and Solutions
Advantages of Telemetry Based Optogenetics
Despite significant advances in the transfection of channelrhodopsins into specific cell types, the technology for the provision of light for stimulation traditionally relies on tethered or head mounted systems. Advantages that telemetry based optogenetics studies have over these alternative methods make this the ideal option for chronic and therapeutic research studies.
Conscious – Anesthesia affects most physiological control systems and can significantly confound your results. Telemetry allows data to be collected from conscious animals after they have recovered from surgery and enables cognitive and behavioral studies not possible under anesthesia.
Unrestrained – Restraining animals induces stress which affects normal physiological functions and the data recorded. Telemetry allows data collection from animals in their home cage without the stress induced by the presence of researchers or handling. The lack of tethers also reduces maintenance/ replacement burden.
Long-term – Offers truly chronic recording over days, weeks or months. Researchers can develop stimulation protocol while studying biological rhythms and follow the development of pathology as it occurs. Within animal design strengthens the statistical power of a study and can reduce group sizes.
Fully Implantable - The full surgical implantation of telemeters and animal recovery process prior to recording ensures there are no exposed wounds or sites for possible infections, improving animal welfare.
Quality Data - Reduced noise and movement artefacts from amplifiers being so close to the point of measurement and no external tether acting as an aerial to attract noise.
More of the advantages of telemetry
Advantages of Kaha Sciences Telemetry
Extensively used globally in academic and research institutions as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, Kaha systems combine high fidelity digital telemetry with patented wireless power technology to create high-quality solutions for your physiological monitoring needs. Paired with PowerLab and LabChart/LabChart Lightning, this solution sets the new standard in quality and power for implantable, wireless telemetry in rats and mice. Measure true high-fidelity signals such as ventricular and arterial pressures, sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), biopotentials (e.g. ECG, EMG & EEG), tissue oxygen, and optogenetics stimulating and recording.
Learn more about Kaha Sciences
In conjunction with our solutions shown below, any device with an analog output (+/- 10V) can be connected to a PowerLab data acquisition system for synchronization of the event in LabChart, including other implantable items (vascular access ports, osmotic pumps, infusion pumps). This gives you even more flexibility and the ability to integrate your data streams in one place.

Flexible Data Acquisition
ADInstruments systems provide an integrated solution to advance life science research. With the combination of LabChart or LabChart Lightning analysis software and a PowerLab data acquisition unit, you have the flexibility to collect and synchronize a wide range of signals for analysis. We also offer a range of LabChart compatible solutions able to stream directly in LabChart.
All your analysis in one place
LabChart software is designed specifically for life science data and provides up to 32 channels for data display and analysis options that are powerful and easy to use. With auto-recognition of ADI and LabChart Compatible hardware, multi-window views, one touch recording, simultaneous recording from multiple devices, specialized preconfigured settings, easy sharing options and an interface that can be customized to show only the features you want to use.

Features and Add-Ons
Additional acquisition and analysis options to support your Optogenetics analysis:
