Using Novel Sensing Approaches to Understand Processing of Touch in the Brain

The human brain continuously processes and integrates streams of multi-sensorial input to update aspects of behaviour, cognition and emotional responses. However, we usually struggle to articulate specific contributions driving aspects of subjective experience. Brain imaging methods enable us to tap into the complex processes which drive nuances of human experience or behaviour. Until now, researchers studying tactile (touch) processing have resorted to rigorously controlled experimental stimuli, e.g., robotic presentations, but this approach is inconsistent with the free exploration that humans employ in the real-world. This project will attempt to measure various key variables relating to touch (rather than attempting to control them) utilising novel sensor technologies for a brain-imaging investigation of self-guided tactile processing.
The goal of the proposed project is to develop a framework for data fusion between advanced sensing technology and electroencephalographic (EEG) brain imaging data. This will unlock deep insights into implicit brain processes underpinning self-directed touch, which can then be related to activity encoding other relevant aspects such as hedonic preference. The project comprises a) building a methodological and technical basis for fusion of sensor technology with high-density EEG data, and b) application of this framework to the study of hedonic preference.