An implantable device for wireless monitoring of diverse physio-behavioral characteristics in freely behaving small animals and interacting groups

Comprehensive, continuous quantitative monitoring of intricately orchestrated physiological processes and behavioral states in living organisms can yield essential data for elucidating the function of neural circuits under healthy and diseased conditions, for defining the effects of potential drugs and treatments, and for tracking disease progression and recovery. Here, we report a wireless, battery-free implantable device and a set of associated algorithms that enable continuous, multiparametric physio-behavioral monitoring in freely behaving small animals and interacting groups. Through advanced analytics approaches applied to mechano-acoustic signals of diverse body processes, the device yields heart rate, respiratory rate, physical activity, temperature, and behavioral states. Demonstrations in pharmacological, locomotor, and acute and social stress tests and in optogenetic studies offer unique insights into the coordination of physio-behavioral characteristics associated with healthy and perturbed states. This technology has broad utility in neuroscience, physiology, behavior, and other areas that rely on studies of freely moving, small animal models. •A wireless, battery-free implant captures diverse mechano-acoustic signals•Advanced algorithms robustly parse out physiological and behavioral parameters•It reveals physio-behavioral coordination under stress and optogenetic stimulation•It offers continuous, chronic monitoring of circadian rhythms Ouyang et al. report a wireless, battery-free implant for comprehensive, continuous monitoring of physiology and behavior in freely behaving small animals and interacting groups. Demonstrations in pharmacological, locomotor, and acute and social stress tests and the implant's concurrent operation with wireless optogenetics showcase its broad utility as a tool for neuroscience.