# Neuropixels Analysis

Neuropixels neural recording analysis.

- Repository: https://github.com/synthetic-sciences/openscience (4321 stars)
- Category: Engineering
- License: MIT license
- Last updated: 2026-10-30
- Runs scripts: yes, review before use

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add synthetic-sciences/openscience --skill neuropixels-analysis -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add synthetic-sciences/openscience --skill neuropixels-analysis -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add synthetic-sciences/openscience --skill neuropixels-analysis -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add synthetic-sciences/openscience --skill neuropixels-analysis -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Neuropixels neural recording analysis. Load SpikeGLX/OpenEphys data, preprocess, motion correction, Kilosort4 spike sorting, quality metrics, Allen/IBL curation, AI-assisted visual analysis, for Neuropixels 1.0/2.0 extracellular electrophysiology. Use when working with neural recordings, spike sorting, extracellular electrophysiology, or when the user mentions Neuropixels, SpikeGLX, Open Ephys, Kilosort, quality metrics, or unit curation.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Neuropixels Data Analysis

## Overview

Comprehensive toolkit for analyzing Neuropixels high-density neural recordings using current best practices from SpikeInterface, Allen Institute, and International Brain Laboratory (IBL). Supports the full workflow from raw data to publication-ready curated units.

## When to Use This Skill

This skill should be used when:
- Working with Neuropixels recordings (.ap.bin, .lf.bin, .meta files)
- Loading data from SpikeGLX, Open Ephys, or NWB formats
- Preprocessing neural recordings (filtering, CAR, bad channel detection)
- Detecting and correcting motion/drift in recordings
- Running spike sorting (Kilosort4, SpykingCircus2, Mountainsort5)
- Computing quality metrics (SNR, ISI violations, presence ratio)
- Curating units using Allen/IBL criteria
- Creating visualizations of neural data
- Exporting results to Phy or NWB

## Supported Hardware & Formats

| Probe | Electrodes | Channels | Notes |
|-------|-----------|----------|-------|
| Neuropixels 1.0 | 960 | 384 | Requires phase_shift correction |
| Neuropixels 2.0 (single) | 1280 | 384 | Denser geometry |
| Neuropixels 2.0 (4-shank) | 5120 | 384 | Multi-region recording |

| Format | Extension | Reader |
|--------|-----------|--------|
| SpikeGLX | `.ap.bin`, `.lf.bin`, `.meta` | `si.read_spikeglx()` |
| Open Ephys | `.continuous`, `.oebin` | `si.read_openephys()` |
| NWB | `.nwb` | `si.read_nwb()` |

## Quick Start

### Basic Import and Setup

```python
import spikeinterface.full as si
import neuropixels_analysis as npa

# Configure parallel processing
job_kwargs = dict(n_jobs=-1, chunk_duration='1s', progress_bar=True)
```

### Loading Data

```python
# SpikeGLX (most common)
recording = si.read_spikeglx('/path/to/data', stream_id='imec0.ap')

# Open Ephys (common for many labs)
recording = si.read_openephys('/path/to/Record_Node_101/')

The rest: https://github.com/synthetic-sciences/openscience/blob/HEAD/backend/cli/skills/biology/neuropixels-analysis/SKILL.md