Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Electronic chip, interacting with the brain, modifies pathways for controlling movement

Electronic chip, interacting with the brain, modifies pathways for controlling movement

October 25, 2006

Mechanism may have potential in stroke and brain injury rehabilitation

Researchers at the University of Washington (UW) are working on an implantable electronic chip that may help establish new nerve connections in the part of the brain that controls movement. Their most recent study, to be published in the Nov. 2, 2006, edition of Nature, showed such a device can induce brain changes in monkeys lasting more than a week. Strengthening of weak connections through this mechanism may have potential in the rehabilitation of patients with brain injuries, stroke, or paralysis.




The authors of study, titled "Long-Term Motor Cortex Plasticity Induced by an Electronic Neural Implant," were Dr. Andrew Jackson, senior research fellow in physiology and biophysics, Dr. Jaideep Mavoori, who recently earned a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the UW, and Dr. Eberhard Fetz, professor of physiology and biophysics. For many years Fetz and his colleagues have studied how the brains of monkeys control their limb muscles.

When awake, the brain continuously governs the body's voluntary movements. This is largely done through the activity of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the motor cortex. These nerve cells, or neurons, send signals down to the spinal cord to control the contraction of certain muscles, like those in the arms and legs.

The possibility that these neural signals can be recorded directly and used to operate a computer or to control mechanical devices outside of the body has been driving the rapidly expanding field of brain-computer interfaces, often abbreviated BCI. The recent Nature study suggests that the brain's nerve signals can be harnessed to create changes within itself.

The researchers tested a miniature, self-contained device with a tiny computer chip. The devices were placed on top of the heads of monkeys who were free to carry out their usual behaviors, including sleep. Called a Neurochip, the brain-computer interface was developed by Mavoori for his doctoral thesis.

"The Neurochip records the activity of motor cortex cells," Fetz explained, "It can convert this activity into a stimulus that can be sent back to the brain, spinal cord, or muscle, and thereby set up an artificial connection that operates continuously during normal behavior. This recurrent brain-computer interface creates an artificial motor pathway that the brain may learn to use to compensate for impaired pathways."

Jackson found that, when the brain-computer interface continuously connects neighboring sites in the motor cortex, it produces long-lasting changes. Namely, the movements evoked from the recording site changed to resemble those evoked from the stimulation site.

The researchers said that a likely explanation for these changes is the strengthening of pathways within the cortex from the recording to the stimulation site. This strengthening may have been produced by the continuous synchronization of activity at the two sites, generated by the recurrent brain-computer interface.

Timing is critical for creating these connections, the researchers said. The conditioning effect occurs only if the delay between the recorded activity and the stimulation is brief enough. The changes are produced in a day of continuous conditioning with the recurrent brain-computer interface, but last for many days after the circuit is turned off.

"This unusually long-lasting plasticity may be related to the fact that the conditioning is associated with normal behavior," Fetz said.

University of Washington



Related Brain-computer Interface Current Events and Brain-computer Interface News Articles
Tongue Drive system lets persons with disabilities operate powered wheelchairs, computers
A new assistive technology developed by engineers at the Georgia Institute of Technology could help individuals with severe disabilities lead more independent lives.

Brain-computer link allows paralyzed patient to manipulate devices by thought
A patient with a spinal cord injury was able to produce brain signals associated with intending to move his paralyzed limbs, signals picked up by an implanted sensor and translated into electronic impulses that allowed him to control a computer cursor and manipulate mechanical devices.

Computer obeys thoughts via Brain-Computer Interface
A research group led by Academy Professor Mikko Sams is developing a brain-computer interface, a device that transforms electrical or magnetic brain signals into commands a computer can understand. Equipment of this kind is necessary. For instance, it enables physically disabled persons to use a computer keyboard. The Brain-Computer Interface, or BCI, allows both physically disabled and healthy persons to direct a computer by merely thinking of certain commands. The On-line Adaptive Brain-Computer Interface project which develops these interfaces is part of the Proactive Computing Research Programme (PROACT), which is funded by the Academy of Finland.

How telecoms devices will become more user-friendly
In our cover theme on "Usability of end-user devices" we feature articles by leading European experts on what is done to improve the usability of mobile phones, how advances in speech recognition will make devices more usable, and on new ways to interact with end-user devices - via brain-computer interface. In addition, we have an exclusive interview on the topic with usability experts Dr. Nico Pals and Joke Kort from the Dutch research organisation TNO.

Adaptive Brain Interfaces (ABI) - Reading your Mind
In today's fast paced world, information and communication technologies are dramatically transforming industries, economies and the quality of our lives. Access to new emerging technologies can be taken for granted. Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy the benefits provided by information and communication systems on equal terms. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) is co-ordinating a project called Adaptive Brain Interfaces (ABI) as part of European Union Information Technologies ESPRIT programme, with the central aim of extending the capabilities of physically-impaired people to access new services and opportunities provided for today's "information society". Ba
More Brain-computer Interface Current Events and Brain-computer Interface News Articles
Toward Brain-Computer Interfacing (Neural Information Processing)

Toward Brain-Computer Interfacing (Neural Information Processing)
by Guido Dornhege (Editor), José del R. Millán (Editor), Thilo Hinterberger (Editor), Dennis J. McFarland (Editor), Klaus-Robert Müller (Editor), Terrence J. Sejnowski (Editor)

Interest in developing an effective communication interface connecting the human brain and a computer has grown rapidly over the past decade. The brain-computer interface (BCI) would allow humans to operate computers, wheelchairs, prostheses, and other devices, using brain signals only. BCI research may someday provide a communication channel for patients with severe physical disabilities but intact cognitive functions, a working tool in computational neuroscience that contributes to a better understanding of the brain, and a novel independent interface for human-machine communication that offers new options for monitoring and control. This volume presents a timely overview of the latest BCI research, with contributions from many of the important research groups in the field.

Canon USB Cable IFC-400PCU for Canon Cameras & Camcorders

Canon USB Cable IFC-400PCU for Canon Cameras & Camcorders
by Canon Cameras US

Canon is a leader in professional business and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. By developing innovative, high-quality business solutions Canon makes it easy to create, manage, and share images and information better, faster, and more efficiently.

Brain-Computer Interfaces

Brain-Computer Interfaces
by Roman Krepkiy (Author)



Epson C12C824431 Serial Interface Type B Board Inkjet Printer

Epson C12C824431 Serial Interface Type B Board Inkjet Printer
by Epson

Serial Interface Type B Board

Ergotron Neo-Flex Dual Display Lift Stand - Stand for dual flat panel - two-tone gray - screen size: up to 22" - mounting interface: 100 x 100 mm, 75 x 75 mm

Ergotron Neo-Flex Dual Display Lift Stand - Stand for dual flat panel - two-tone gray - screen size: up to 22" - mounting interface: 100 x 100 mm, 75 x 75 mm
by Ergotron

Marketing description is not available.

M-Audio Fast Track US44010 USB Audio Interface with GT-Player Express Software

M-Audio Fast Track US44010 USB Audio Interface with GT-Player Express Software
by M-Audio

The Fast Track USB and the Session software combine to make a fast and simple way to record and produce your own music. With the Fast Track USB, you can connect your guitar, microphone, and keyboard for recording into Session. And Session makes creating new tracks easy by routing and configuring everything automatically, allowing you to spend more time being creative. In Session you'll find simulated Guitar and Bass amps as well as all kinds of effects for every instrument. With over 2GB of drag and drop loops and a ton of included software instruments you can create almost any type of music. Session and the Fast Track let you record your music, mix it, and unleash you inner rock star.

Neuroengineering

Neuroengineering
by Daniel J. DiLorenzo (Editor), Joseph D. Bronzino (Editor)

Based on a foundation of science and empirical observation, engineering research and design has brought science fiction into science fact. The convergence of neuroscience and technology is facilitating the development of therapies that not long ago would have seemed unimaginable, if not impossible. With contributions from pioneers in industry, academia, and clinical medicine, Neuroengineering provides an understanding of the history, physiology and the most promising engineering technologies.



The book presents clinical applications of neuromodulation and a detailed review of the science and mechanisms of action underlying deep brain stimulation. Contributions include discussions of seizure control, clinical, surgical, and technological aspects of responsive...

3D connexion SpaceExplorer 3D Navigation Device with USB Interface ( 3DX-700026 )

3D connexion SpaceExplorer 3D Navigation Device with USB Interface ( 3DX-700026 )
by 3D Connexion

3D Connexion SpaceExplorer

Compaq Comp. 24A MODEL MPDU 24A-HIGH VOLTAGE ( 252663-D72 )

Compaq Comp. 24A MODEL MPDU 24A-HIGH VOLTAGE ( 252663-D72 )
by Compaq Computer

Compaq is a leading global provider of information technology products, services and solutions for enterprise customers. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets information technology equipment, software, services and solutions, including industry-leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication products, personal desktop and notebook computers, and personal entertainment and Internet access devices.

Chief FPM-4101 - Mounting kit ( wall bracket, adapter plate ) for flat panel - silver metallic - mounting interface: 100 x 100 mm, 75 x 75 mm - wall-mountable

Chief FPM-4101 - Mounting kit ( wall bracket, adapter plate ) for flat panel - silver metallic - mounting interface: 100 x 100 mm, 75 x 75 mm - wall-mountable
by Chief Mfg.

Chief's FPM 4000 Series Pitch-Adjustable Wall Mount provides rigid pitch adjustment to help you achieve the optimum viewing angle for your Small Flat Panel Display. The FPM uses Chief's Q2 Mounting System for easy installation, stable mounting, quick release and optional security.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com