Abstract: Provided herein are methods for analyzing in vivo a brain circuit. A method of the present disclosure may include using optogenetics to stimulate a first region of a brain of an individual, in conjunction with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of different regions of the brain to determine a dynamic functional connection between individual neurons of the first region and a second region of the brain. The method may further include identifying a third region of the brain, the neurons of which region mediate the dynamic functional connection between the first and second regions.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for modulating temporal patterns of neuronal activity in the brain. A method of the present disclosure may include using optogenetics to stimulate a one or more of thalamocortical projections, thalamic relay neurons, cortical projection neurons, cell bodies in a thalamic submedial nucleus, and cell bodies in the VLO in the brain, in conjunction with fMRI of different regions of the brain to directly visualize the global influence of the VLO's afferent and efferent connections, and characterize how different temporal patterns of activity in the VLO circuit affect brain dynamics by driving its input and output at distinct frequencies.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for analyzing in vivo a brain circuit. A method of the present disclosure may include using optogenetics to stimulate a first region of a brain of an individual, in conjunction with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of different regions of the brain to determine a dynamic functional connection between individual neurons of the first region and a second region of the brain. The method may further include identifying a third region of the brain, the neurons of which region mediate the dynamic functional connection between the first and second regions.