Blech_Clust is a specialized software toolkit that helps neuroscientists study how the brain processes taste information. When researchers record electrical signals from the brain, they capture a complex mixture of activity from many neurons (brain cells). Blech_Clust helps separate and organize these signals so scientists can understand how individual neurons respond to different tastes.
Understanding how the brain processes taste information can help us learn about:
When neuroscientists place tiny electrodes in the brain, they record electrical “spikes” - the language neurons use to communicate. However, each electrode often picks up signals from multiple nearby neurons. Blech_Clust uses sophisticated mathematical techniques to:
This software was developed in the Katz Lab at Brandeis University, where researchers study how the brain processes taste information. It’s designed for neuroscientists who record brain activity using multi-electrode arrays, particularly those studying taste processing in the gustatory cortex and related brain regions.
Blech_Clust works with data recorded using Intan RHD2132 chips and is optimized for Brandeis University’s high-performance computing cluster. It uses a combination of Python and R to process the data, and includes tools for:
The software is open-source and available under the GPL-3.0 license, meaning anyone can use, modify, and share it freely.
If you’re a researcher interested in using Blech_Clust, check out the main README for detailed installation instructions and documentation on how to use the software.
Check out our blog posts for updates, tutorials, and technical deep dives on Blech_Clust.