The action potential is a fundamental unit of neural computation. Even though significant advances have been made in recording large numbers of individual neurons in animal models, translation of these methodologies to humans has been limited because of clinical constraints and electrode reliability. Here, we present a reliable method for intraoperative recording of dozens of neurons in humans using the Neuropixels probe, yielding up to ∼100 simultaneously recorded single units. Most single units were active within 1 min of reaching target depth. The motion of the electrode array had a strong inverse correlation with yield, identifying a major challenge and opportunity to further increase the probe utility. Cell pairs active close in time were spatially closer in most recordings, demonstrating the power to resolve complex cortical dynamics. Altogether, this approach provides access to population single-unit activity across the depth of human neocortex at scales previously only accessible in animal models.

动作电位是神经计算的基本单位。尽管在动物模型中记录大量单个神经元方面取得了重大进展，但由于临床限制和电极可靠性，这些方法在人类身上的转化受到了限制。在这里，我们提出了一种可靠的方法，用于使用 Neuropixels 探针在术中记录人类数十个神经元，最多可同时记录 100 个单个单元。大多数单个单元在达到目标深度的 1 分钟内都处于活动状态。电极阵列的运动与产量有很强的负相关，确定了进一步提高探针效用的主要挑战和机会。在大多数记录中，时间上接近的细胞对在空间上更接近，证明了解决复杂皮质动力学的能力。