Closed-loop Neural Interface Technologies (Close-NIT) Network Plus
Lead Research Organisation:
Newcastle University
Department Name: Biosciences Institute
Abstract
The human brain is the most complex dynamical system that we know of. Its anatomical structure is characterised by bidirectional connections and recurrent feedback loops between a hundred billion cells that support the representation, processing and storage of information. Its behaviour is expressed through bidirectional connections and sensorimotor feedback loops with the body, the environment and other individuals, which in turn alter the strength of connections within the brain, allowing us to learn, understand, move and communicate. Now, for the first time in our evolutionary history, we are beginning to augment these biological connections with new, artificial connections to repair, restore and enhance our neural circuits and cognitive functions. Neural interfaces allow brain activity to be sensed and processed by electronic circuitry, which can then return signals back to the nervous system in real-time through neurostimulation to form a direct 'closed loop' between the brain and technology. Potential applications include neuroprosthetic devices to replace connections lost through injury, neurorehabilitation devices to drive plastic changes in brain circuits, and neuromodulation devices to control the aberrant patterns of activity associated with many neurological disorders. In future, we may be able to regulate our mental states, communicate in new ways with computers and machines, and ultimately merge biological and artificial intelligence. However, despite the current hype around neurotechnology, there are many unanswered questions that are uniquely posed by closed-loop applications of neural interfaces. Some of these are technological in nature, such as how best can we simultaneously monitor and manipulate electrical brain activity without cross-talk? Some are computational, such as what algorithms should we use to transform sensed brain activity into stimulation and how can these be implemented in real-time on wearable or implantable devices? Some are scientific, such as how do neural circuits respond to closed-loop interfaces and how can this be harnessed for therapeutic benefit? Most importantly, there are ethical questions, such as how can we ensure these technologies are safe, beneficial and respectful of the autonomy and individuality of users. While science traditionally progresses by tackling problems in isolation, closed-loop interfaces require a paradigm shift in transdisciplinary working. In particular, we seek to uncover the emergent phenomena, scientific mechanisms and clinical applications that can only be revealed in real-time bidirectional interactions between brains and technology. Therefore, we will build a network to connect experts from academia, industry and medicine to address the key challenges facing closed-loop neural interfaces, accelerating scientific and technological progress while engaging with ethicists, users and the public to ensure we advance responsibly into the neuroengineered future.
Description | Dr Alejandro Lombarte |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Department | Department of Engineering |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Funding for the following pilot study has been approved: "Fascicle-selective and Velocity-sorting nerve interfacing Cuffs for bladder control (FaVe-Cuffs)" |
Collaborator Contribution | The research has not yet commenced. |
Impact | The research has not yet commenced. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Dr Edward Rhodes |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Funding for the following pilot study has been approved: "Closed-loop temporal interference stimulation (TI) to alleviate Bradykinesia in Parkinson's Disease" |
Collaborator Contribution | The research has not yet commenced. |
Impact | The research has not yet commenced. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Dr Peter Taylor |
Organisation | Newcastle University |
Department | School of Computing Science |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Funding for the following pilot study has been approved: "TruSty [Closed-loop Neural Interface Technologies - Truncating Seizure Pathways]" |
Collaborator Contribution | The research has not yet commenced. |
Impact | The research has not yet commenced. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Dr Petra Fischer |
Organisation | University of Bristol |
Department | School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Funding for the following pilot study has been approved: "Refining closed-loop vibrotactile stimulation tools to ameliorate dysfunctional network activity in dystonia" |
Collaborator Contribution | The research has not yet commenced. |
Impact | The research has not yet commenced. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Dr Tiago Costa |
Organisation | Newcastle University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Funding for the following pilot study has been approved: "Transauricular vagus nerve stimulation with closed-loop cardiac, respiratory and electroencephalography biofeedback: a pilot study in healthy volunteers" |
Collaborator Contribution | The research has not yet commenced. |
Impact | The research has not yet commenced. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Dr Wako Yoshida |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Department | Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Funding for the following pilot study has been approved: "Adaptive close-loop decoded neurofeedback for social training in autism spectrum disorders" |
Collaborator Contribution | The research has not yet commenced. |
Impact | The research has not yet commenced. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | CloseNIT Website |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The website serves as a tool for advertising the CloseNIT Network by providing information on the aims and workstreams, documents relating to funding calls and a sign-up page. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
URL | https://research.ncl.ac.uk/close-nit/ |
Description | Online Launch Event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Around 60 people attended a 3hr event to kick-off and advertise the CloseNIT Network. 5 guest speakers gave 20 minute talks on areas of research which are relevant to the Network, sparking questions and discussion amongst participants. Information was given regarding the first Network funding call, encouraging researchers to apply for the opportunity and signposting them to the application form and corresponding guidance. The event was recorded and posted on the CloseNIT website. We received a considerable increase in members signing up to the Network as a result of this event, and 22 high-quality funding applications. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://research.ncl.ac.uk/close-nit/eventsfundingcalls/closenitnetworkpluskick-offevent/ |