Events Calendar

Biomedical Engineering Dept. 2009 Grodins Keynote Lecture

Computing with Neural EnsemblesMiguel A. L. Nicolelis, MD, PhDAnne W. Deane Professor of Neuroscience
Depts. of Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering,
and Psychology and Neuroscience
Co-Director
Duke Center for NeuroengineeringAbstractIn this talk, I will review a series of recent experiments demonstrating the possibility of using real-time computational models to investigate how ensembles of neurons encode motor information. These experiments have revealed that brain-machine interfaces can be used not only to study fundamental aspects of neural ensemble physiology, but they can also serve as an experimental paradigm aimed at testing the design of modern neuroprosthetic devices. I will also describe evidence indicating that continuous operation of a closed-loop brain machine interface, which utilizes a robotic arm as its main actuator, can induce significant changes in the physiological properties of neurons located in multiple motor and sensory cortical areas. This raises the hypothesis of whether the properties of a robot arm, or any other tool, can be assimilated by neuronal representations as if they were simple extensions of the subject's own body.

Location: Davidson Conference Center

Audiences: Students/Viterbi Faculty

Contact: Mischalgrace Diasanta