Brain Machine Interfaces based on Subcortical LFP Signals for Neuroprosthetic Control and Neurofeedback Therapy
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Clinical Neurosciences
Abstract
Recovering upper limb function will offer a certain degree of independence and sense of autonomy to people with paralysis due to disabling spinal cord injury, amputation, stroke etc. The 'Brain machine interfaces' (BMIs) convert brain signals into control signals for guiding prosthetic arms or other devices, and have showed great potential to restore functions important for everyday life, such as reaching and grasping. However, the translation of the exciting research progress to clinical use that actually improves the daily lives of people with disabilities has barely begun. Key challenges in the clinical applications of existing BMIs include: 1) Difficulties in ensuring stable and satisfactory recordings of brain signals over months or years. Loss of signals over time leads to deterioration in the performance of the neuroprosthetic device and frustration in users. 2) The difficulty in accurately and reliably estimating certain movement parameters such as the gripping force in a simple grasp movement. To date, the best clinical demonstration of BMI has still not been able to accurately manipulate the force level that was applied by a robotic hand.
Research into BMI has, to date, almost exclusively focused on signals obtained from the surface or the upper layer of the brain (the cerebral cortex). My previous research has identified the important role of brain signals from the 'basal ganglia', a structure deep inside the brain, in controlling movement and representing gripping force in a grasp. These signals can be readily recorded from electrodes that last many years and such electrodes can be implanted in a relatively safe procedure, which has been a routine therapy for movement disorders. Therefore, these signals offer significant advantages for long-term performance and reliability of the BMI over time. I propose using these deep brain signals to control the grip force of robotic hands, and to study how the patients learn to use the prosthetic hand. This will provide important proof-of-principle of using signal recorded from structure deep inside the brain to control a robotic hand. Meanwhile, understanding and engaging the process of BMI skill learning will potentially be another major opportunity for further improvement of the performance of BMIs.
Importantly, what is central to BMI use is for a subject to achieve a specific goal by voluntarily changing their brain activity. But could the BMI be used to train patients to change their own pathological brain activity that is causing problems? Positive answer to this question can lead to novel therapies to diseases where a clear pathological brain signal has been identified. For example, pathological brain activity in the basal ganglia has been heavily associated with motor impairment in a range of diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). I will use the BMI system proposed here to train patients with PD to reduce the pathological signals in the targeted brain area while giving them the feedback about the level of this pathological signal (so called 'neurofeedback training'). I will test the hypothesis that when given feedback, patients are able to reduce the pathological signal that is causing problem in their disease, and that voluntary change of the pathological activity can lead to improvement in movement related symptoms in PD. This work will also help to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of neurofeedback training, which may facilitate other effective clinical applications of this technique.
In summary, this work will establish the foundations for novel brain-machine interfaces based on signals recorded from deep brain regions that contain rich information related to movement intention and have been proven to be stable over time. I will use the new framework to control a prosthetics hand with graded gripping force, to provide neurofeedback training to reduce symptoms in PD, and to study the role of basal ganglia in the control and learning of movements.
Research into BMI has, to date, almost exclusively focused on signals obtained from the surface or the upper layer of the brain (the cerebral cortex). My previous research has identified the important role of brain signals from the 'basal ganglia', a structure deep inside the brain, in controlling movement and representing gripping force in a grasp. These signals can be readily recorded from electrodes that last many years and such electrodes can be implanted in a relatively safe procedure, which has been a routine therapy for movement disorders. Therefore, these signals offer significant advantages for long-term performance and reliability of the BMI over time. I propose using these deep brain signals to control the grip force of robotic hands, and to study how the patients learn to use the prosthetic hand. This will provide important proof-of-principle of using signal recorded from structure deep inside the brain to control a robotic hand. Meanwhile, understanding and engaging the process of BMI skill learning will potentially be another major opportunity for further improvement of the performance of BMIs.
Importantly, what is central to BMI use is for a subject to achieve a specific goal by voluntarily changing their brain activity. But could the BMI be used to train patients to change their own pathological brain activity that is causing problems? Positive answer to this question can lead to novel therapies to diseases where a clear pathological brain signal has been identified. For example, pathological brain activity in the basal ganglia has been heavily associated with motor impairment in a range of diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). I will use the BMI system proposed here to train patients with PD to reduce the pathological signals in the targeted brain area while giving them the feedback about the level of this pathological signal (so called 'neurofeedback training'). I will test the hypothesis that when given feedback, patients are able to reduce the pathological signal that is causing problem in their disease, and that voluntary change of the pathological activity can lead to improvement in movement related symptoms in PD. This work will also help to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of neurofeedback training, which may facilitate other effective clinical applications of this technique.
In summary, this work will establish the foundations for novel brain-machine interfaces based on signals recorded from deep brain regions that contain rich information related to movement intention and have been proven to be stable over time. I will use the new framework to control a prosthetics hand with graded gripping force, to provide neurofeedback training to reduce symptoms in PD, and to study the role of basal ganglia in the control and learning of movements.
Technical Summary
Research into BMI has, to date, almost exclusively focused on signals obtained from the cerebral cortex. The clinical application of BMI faces grand challenges including the lack of longevity in the neural spiking recorded over the cortex for decoding movement related information, and the difficulty in reliable and accurate prediction of gripping force required to develop neuroprosthetics of clinical grade.
My previous research has identified the important role of local field potentials (LFP) recorded from the basal ganglia in encoding movement related information such as motor effort and gripping force, suggesting that these signals can be used to deliver graded force generation via a robotic hand. Compared to neural spikes, the long-term stability of LFP signals offers significant advantages for long-term performance and reliability of the BMI over time. In addition, new developments in implantable devices, which offer the capacity for chronic recording, real-time processing and wireless data transmission, afford an unparalleled opportunity to utilize deep brain signals for BMI control.
I propose to exploit this research opportunity and our understanding about the role of basal ganglia in motor control, to develop new approaches for BMI based on LFP signals recorded from the basal ganglia. I will build the first robotic mechanism interfacing with subcortical structures - the basal ganglia, and use the new framework to control a prosthetics hand with graded gripping force. This will also allow me to investigate the neural basis of the learning process in the use of a neuroprosthetic hand in human subjects. Secondly, I will use the system to provide neurofeedback training to regulate pathological oscillations in the basal ganglia associated with Parksinson's disease, and to study the functional changes in the cortico-basal ganglia network induced by neurofeedback training.
My previous research has identified the important role of local field potentials (LFP) recorded from the basal ganglia in encoding movement related information such as motor effort and gripping force, suggesting that these signals can be used to deliver graded force generation via a robotic hand. Compared to neural spikes, the long-term stability of LFP signals offers significant advantages for long-term performance and reliability of the BMI over time. In addition, new developments in implantable devices, which offer the capacity for chronic recording, real-time processing and wireless data transmission, afford an unparalleled opportunity to utilize deep brain signals for BMI control.
I propose to exploit this research opportunity and our understanding about the role of basal ganglia in motor control, to develop new approaches for BMI based on LFP signals recorded from the basal ganglia. I will build the first robotic mechanism interfacing with subcortical structures - the basal ganglia, and use the new framework to control a prosthetics hand with graded gripping force. This will also allow me to investigate the neural basis of the learning process in the use of a neuroprosthetic hand in human subjects. Secondly, I will use the system to provide neurofeedback training to regulate pathological oscillations in the basal ganglia associated with Parksinson's disease, and to study the functional changes in the cortico-basal ganglia network induced by neurofeedback training.
Planned Impact
The research in BMI systems generates tremendous excitement from academic community, clinicians and general public. The excitement reflects the rich promise of BMIs. People who may benefit from the proposed research include:
1) Staff working on the project.
Through the project, the PI will further develop her long-term career plan and scientific vision to translate neurosciences and engineering knowledge into clinical therapies in order to recover function and ameliorate symptoms. The Research Associate will gain essential training in biomedical signal processing, real-time implementation of robotic control, experimental design and recording in clinical environment.
2) Healthcare industry.
The current proposal opens the door for new applications of clinical grade implantable pacemakers that also include ultra-low power amplifier and wireless telemetry for data uploads. More clinical use of the device is a new commercial opportunity for the healthcare industry.
3) People suffering from Parkinson's disease.
There are 127,000 people with Parkinson's disease in UK, and 10-20% of them will receive the surgery for deep brain stimulation therapy in the late stage of the disease. They will benefit from the neurofeedback training therapy proposed in the study, especially since DBS pacemakers with the capacity to measure and wirelessly transmit data are becoming widely used in clinical applications. Self-regulation of the pathological neural activities combined with potential plastic changes in the brain will reduce the requirement for medication, or high amplitude of DBS stimulation. This will reduce the side effects that are concomitant with both medication and DBS, and improve the quality of life of the patients.
4) People living with paralysis.
In the UK and Ireland, there estimated to be 50,000 people with paralysis due to spinal cord injury, amputation, stroke and etc. among which the spinal cord injury primarily affects young adults. The cost to the nation is estimated at £1 billion per annum. Recovering upper limb functions will offer both functional independence, and a sense of autonomy, which is of substantial benefit to these people, and will reduce social support required for them. At present, the achievements of BMI research and development remain confined almost entirely to the laboratory. The proposed research will make significant contributions towards making the neural prostheses more reliable in long-term.
5) People suffering from other disease in which neurofeedback therapy may help.
There is increasing number of patients with psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, who are referred to non-invasive neurofeedback training. Neurofeedback training has also been proposed to improve rehabilitation for people with strokes, head trauma, and other disorders. My study on the potential plastic changes in the larger network of the brain induced by the neurofeedback training will help to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of neurofeedback training that will undoubtedly facilitate more effective clinical applications.
6) Wider public.
There has been widespread and lasting societal interest in the development and research on BMI systems. This is possibly because BMIs not only have the potential to revolutionize the life of many people with motor disabilities, but also revolutionize the way people communicate with the world, interact with information technology and the world itself. Outlined research can benefit the wider public by increasing the awareness of the existence of the technique, and by providing insights into how BMIs can contribute to improving people's life in multiple ways.
1) Staff working on the project.
Through the project, the PI will further develop her long-term career plan and scientific vision to translate neurosciences and engineering knowledge into clinical therapies in order to recover function and ameliorate symptoms. The Research Associate will gain essential training in biomedical signal processing, real-time implementation of robotic control, experimental design and recording in clinical environment.
2) Healthcare industry.
The current proposal opens the door for new applications of clinical grade implantable pacemakers that also include ultra-low power amplifier and wireless telemetry for data uploads. More clinical use of the device is a new commercial opportunity for the healthcare industry.
3) People suffering from Parkinson's disease.
There are 127,000 people with Parkinson's disease in UK, and 10-20% of them will receive the surgery for deep brain stimulation therapy in the late stage of the disease. They will benefit from the neurofeedback training therapy proposed in the study, especially since DBS pacemakers with the capacity to measure and wirelessly transmit data are becoming widely used in clinical applications. Self-regulation of the pathological neural activities combined with potential plastic changes in the brain will reduce the requirement for medication, or high amplitude of DBS stimulation. This will reduce the side effects that are concomitant with both medication and DBS, and improve the quality of life of the patients.
4) People living with paralysis.
In the UK and Ireland, there estimated to be 50,000 people with paralysis due to spinal cord injury, amputation, stroke and etc. among which the spinal cord injury primarily affects young adults. The cost to the nation is estimated at £1 billion per annum. Recovering upper limb functions will offer both functional independence, and a sense of autonomy, which is of substantial benefit to these people, and will reduce social support required for them. At present, the achievements of BMI research and development remain confined almost entirely to the laboratory. The proposed research will make significant contributions towards making the neural prostheses more reliable in long-term.
5) People suffering from other disease in which neurofeedback therapy may help.
There is increasing number of patients with psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, who are referred to non-invasive neurofeedback training. Neurofeedback training has also been proposed to improve rehabilitation for people with strokes, head trauma, and other disorders. My study on the potential plastic changes in the larger network of the brain induced by the neurofeedback training will help to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of neurofeedback training that will undoubtedly facilitate more effective clinical applications.
6) Wider public.
There has been widespread and lasting societal interest in the development and research on BMI systems. This is possibly because BMIs not only have the potential to revolutionize the life of many people with motor disabilities, but also revolutionize the way people communicate with the world, interact with information technology and the world itself. Outlined research can benefit the wider public by increasing the awareness of the existence of the technique, and by providing insights into how BMIs can contribute to improving people's life in multiple ways.
Organisations
- University of Oxford (Lead Research Organisation)
- Campus Bio-Medico University (Collaboration)
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital (Collaboration)
- King's College Hospital (Collaboration)
- Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (Collaboration)
- University College Hospital (Collaboration)
- University Hospital Cologne International (Collaboration)
- Ruijin Hospital (Collaboration)
- Institute of Neuroscience of Timone (Collaboration)
- St Georges Hospital (Collaboration)
- ICM (Brain & Spine Institute) (Collaboration)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) (Collaboration)
- Fudan University (Collaboration)
Publications
Tinkhauser G
(2017)
The modulatory effect of adaptive deep brain stimulation on beta bursts in Parkinson's disease.
in Brain : a journal of neurology
Shah SA
(2017)
Continuous Force Decoding from Deep Brain Local Field Potentials for Brain Computer Interfacing.
in International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering : [proceedings]. International IEEE EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering
Tinkhauser G
(2017)
Beta burst dynamics in Parkinson's disease OFF and ON dopaminergic medication.
in Brain : a journal of neurology
Herz DM
(2017)
Distinct mechanisms mediate speed-accuracy adjustments in cortico-subthalamic networks.
in eLife
Fischer P
(2017)
Subthalamic nucleus beta and gamma activity is modulated depending on the level of imagined grip force.
in Experimental neurology
Steiner LA
(2017)
Subthalamic beta dynamics mirror Parkinsonian bradykinesia months after neurostimulator implantation.
in Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society
Fischer P
(2018)
Alternating Modulation of Subthalamic Nucleus Beta Oscillations during Stepping.
in The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience
Torrecillos F
(2018)
Modulation of Beta Bursts in the Subthalamic Nucleus Predicts Motor Performance
in The Journal of Neuroscience
Tinkhauser G
(2018)
Directional local field potentials: A tool to optimize deep brain stimulation.
in Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society
Shah SA
(2018)
Towards Real-Time, Continuous Decoding of Gripping Force From Deep Brain Local Field Potentials.
in IEEE transactions on neural systems and rehabilitation engineering : a publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
Tinkhauser G
(2018)
Beta burst coupling across the motor circuit in Parkinson's disease.
in Neurobiology of disease
Tan H
(2018)
Decoding Movement States in Stepping Cycles Based on Subthalamic LFPs in Parkinsonian Patients.
in Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference
Tan H
(2019)
Comment on the letter to editor: Closed loop stimulation for tremor was invented in 1980.
in Brain stimulation
Fischer P
(2019)
Beta synchrony in the cortico-basal ganglia network during regulation of force control on and off dopamine.
in Neurobiology of disease
He S
(2019)
Beta Oscillation-Targeted Neurofeedback Training Based on Subthalamic LFPs in Parkinsonian Patients.
in International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering : [proceedings]. International IEEE EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering
Tan H
(2019)
Decoding voluntary movements and postural tremor based on thalamic LFPs as a basis for closed-loop stimulation for essential tremor.
in Brain stimulation
Lofredi R
(2019)
Beta bursts during continuous movements accompany the velocity decrement in Parkinson's disease patients.
in Neurobiology of disease
Tinkhauser G
(2019)
Electrophysiological differences between upper and lower limb movements in the human subthalamic nucleus.
in Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
Chen CC
(2019)
Subthalamic nucleus oscillations correlate with vulnerability to freezing of gait in patients with Parkinson's disease.
in Neurobiology of disease
He S
(2020)
EEG- and EOG-Based Asynchronous Hybrid BCI: A System Integrating a Speller, a Web Browser, an E-Mail Client, and a File Explorer.
in IEEE transactions on neural systems and rehabilitation engineering : a publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
He S
(2020)
Neurofeedback-Linked Suppression of Cortical ß Bursts Speeds Up Movement Initiation in Healthy Motor Control: A Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Study.
in The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience
He S
(2020)
Closed-loop DBS triggered by real-time movement and tremor decoding based on thalamic LFPs for essential tremor.
in Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference
Wiest C
(2020)
Local field potential activity dynamics in response to deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease.
in Neurobiology of disease
Tinkhauser G
(2020)
The Cumulative Effect of Transient Synchrony States on Motor Performance in Parkinson's Disease.
in The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience
Yeh CH
(2020)
Waveform changes with the evolution of beta bursts in the human subthalamic nucleus.
in Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
Huang Y
(2020)
Dynamic changes in rhythmic and arrhythmic neural signatures in the subthalamic nucleus induced by anaesthesia and tracheal intubation.
in British journal of anaesthesia
Debarros J
(2020)
Artefact-free recording of local field potentials with simultaneous stimulation for closed-loop Deep-Brain Stimulation.
in Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference
Hasegawa H
(2020)
The Effect of Unilateral Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation on Contralateral Subthalamic Nucleus Local Field Potentials
in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface
Fischer P
(2020)
Entraining Stepping Movements of Parkinson's Patients to Alternating Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation
in The Journal of Neuroscience
Martineau T
(2020)
Optimizing Time-Frequency Feature Extraction and Channel Selection through Gradient Backpropagation to Improve Action Decoding based on Subthalamic Local Field Potentials.
in Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference
He S
(2021)
Gait-Phase Modulates Alpha and Beta Oscillations in the Pedunculopontine Nucleus.
in The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience
He S
(2021)
Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor Based on Thalamic Local Field Potentials.
in Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society
Herz DM
(2022)
Dynamic control of decision and movement speed in the human basal ganglia.
in Nature communications
Wiest C
(2022)
Finely-tuned gamma oscillations: Spectral characteristics and links to dyskinesia.
in Experimental neurology
Wiest C
(2023)
Evoked resonant neural activity in subthalamic local field potentials reflects basal ganglia network dynamics.
in Neurobiology of disease
Description | Advancing adaptive deep brain stimulation for gait disturbances and freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease |
Amount | £464,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MR/V00655X/1 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2021 |
End | 01/2023 |
Description | Interfacing with the brain for therapy |
Amount | £1,980,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MC_UU_00003/2 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2020 |
End | 03/2025 |
Description | Rosetrees Trust Research Grant |
Amount | £60,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Rosetrees Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2018 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | Smart electroceuticals for neurological disorders (SEND) |
Amount | £198,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PGL21/10115 |
Organisation | Rosetrees Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2022 |
End | 03/2025 |
Description | Univ of Oxford Medical and Life Sciences Translational Fund |
Amount | £65,896 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2020 |
End | 09/2021 |
Description | Univ of Oxford: University Challenge Seed Fund |
Amount | £63,800 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Award UCSF 459 |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2020 |
End | 09/2021 |
Description | Wellcome ISSF |
Amount | £59,880 (GBP) |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2018 |
End | 03/2019 |
Title | Machine learning based methods for decoding force based on STN LFPs |
Description | We have developed a few methods, such as a linear dynamic model and a Wiener cascade model, to decode gripping force based on STN LFPs. |
Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - human |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | On one hand, our approach has offered new insight on how basal ganglia is involved in controlling gripping force, and also offer new understanding about the pathology of Parkinson's disease. This has led to further research in other groups citing our work. On the other hand, the method also pave the way for further development of the Brain Machine Interfaces based on subcortical signals, which is the main goal of the funded project. |
Title | EEGs from healthy motor control during neurofeedback training |
Description | The EEG data were recorded from 20 human volunteers (10 females) while they were performing a sequential neurofeedback-behaviour task, with the neurofeedback reflecting the occurrence of beta bursts over sensorimotor cortex (C3 or C4) quantified in real time. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | In this study, we show that healthy participants can be trained to self-suppress a special pattern of brain activity called 'beta bursts'. We found that this training was accompanied by quicker reactions when prompted to move. The more beta bursts were suppressed, the less time needed to move. Our results suggest such training could be used to speed up movements when needed. |
URL | https://data.mrc.ox.ac.uk/data-set/eegs-healthy-motor-control-during-neurofeedback-training |
Title | STN LFPs and simultaneous EEG during finger joystick movement |
Description | These data contain local field potentials (LFPs) from the Subthalamic Nucleus and simultaneous EEGs recorded from patients with Parkinson's Disease while they performed a finger joystick motor task after they received surgery for Deep Brain Stimulation. The analysis of data was first presented in the paper Torrecillos et al (2018) where the details of the experimental design and behaviour task are presented. All EEGs and LFPs were recorded with common reference rejection and the ground was attached to the wrist of the patient. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Thanks to the close collaboration we have established with functional neurosurgery teams, we have enjoyed the rare opportunity to record local field potentials from the deep brain structures, such as the basal ganglia, in human patients with movement disorders who have undergone the surgery for Deep Brain Stimulation. We will continue to freely share those data in order to support open science and reproducibility in neuroscience. |
URL | https://data.mrc.ox.ac.uk/data-set/simultaneous-stn-lfps-and-eegs-human-patients-during-finger-joyst... |
Title | STN LFPs from Parkinson's patients during stepping in place |
Description | These data contain local field potentials (LFPs) from the human subthalamic nucleus recorded from patients with Parkinson's after receiving deep brain stimulation surgery. Patients were asked to step on the spot (while sitting and for three data sets also while standing) and to synchronize their steps to the rhythm of a walking cartoon man displayed in a video. The details of the experimental design and behavioural task are described in Fischer et al (2018). Results on decoding analyses, attempting to decode movement states within the gait cycle based on the STN LFPs, are reported in Tan et al (2018). All LFPs were first recorded as monopolar signals with a common reference and the ground electrode attached to the wrist of the patient. Bipolar LFPs were constructed by computing the difference between monopolor recordings from neighbouring contacts. The timing of each heel strike was simultaneously recorded with foot pedals or force plates. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Thanks to the close collaboration we have established with functional neurosurgery teams, we have enjoyed the rare opportunity to record local field potentials from the deep brain structures, such as the basal ganglia, in human patients with movement disorders who have undergone the surgery for Deep Brain Stimulation. We will continue to freely share those data in order to support open science and reproducibility in neuroscience. |
URL | https://data.mrc.ox.ac.uk/data-set/stn-lfps-parkinsons-patients-during-stepping-place |
Title | STN local field potential recordings from awake patients with Parkinson's, ON and OFF meds, and during 130 Hz DBS |
Description | Subthalamic local field potential recordings from awake patients with Parkinson's disease while leads were externalised. In 30 hemispheres, this data was recorded ON and OFF dopaminergic medication and in 26 hemispheres before and during 130 Hz deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. DBS data: This file contains data from 26 hemispheres. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Views and downloads. |
URL | https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:e1dfbc95-86ce-4408-867b-b1770d6ca4cb |
Title | Subthalamic and thalamic local field potential recordings from patients with cervical dystonia |
Description | This data set contains data that were used in Wiest et al., 2022 (https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.29302). The files are in MATLAB .mat format. Local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded from 7 patients with cervical dystonia (non-directional Boston Vercise leads with 8 contact levels, placed in the subthalamic nucleus, Zona incerta and ventrolateral thalamus). |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2023 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | downloads from website. |
URL | https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:9cb9a6fb-d35c-4350-a4a7-10b999fedbf3 |
Title | Subthalamic nucleus activity during stopping of rhythmic finger tapping |
Description | Through close collaboration with functional neurosurgery teams throughout UK, we have enjoyed the precious opportunity to record brain activities from deep structures of the brain in patients with Parkinson's Disease, who received the surgery for Deep Brain Stimulation as a treatment for their diseases. We make the data we collected freely available to other scientist through Oxford University Research Archive. The data was collected between 2015 and 2016 at the John Radcliffe Hospital (Oxford) and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (London) in 9 patients with Parkinson's disease who had undergone deep brain stimulation surgery. Patients performed a stopping task while local field potentials from the subthalamic nucleus and scalp EEG channels (C3, C4, Cz, Fz, Pz) were recorded with a TMSi Porti amplifier. Patients were instructed to interrupt finger tapping, which was paced by a metronome, in response to an auditory stop-signal, which was timed such that successful stopping would occur only in ~50% of all trials. This data will allow us to better understand how activities from different areas of the brain are involved in rhythmic movements and the successful stopping of those ongoing movements. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The dataset has been downloaded for 40 times since it was made available online in 2018. |
URL | https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:54c00c3d-1809-4a52-bba8-b491b6075f35 |
Description | Clinical collaborator in King's College Hospital |
Organisation | King's College Hospital |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Hospitals |
PI Contribution | The research team design and carry out the research study. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partner is offering clinical care to potential participants and help to identify and recruit participants for the study. |
Impact | Four participants have been recruited through the collaboration. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Clinical collaborator in Oxford |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The research team will design and carry out the research study. |
Collaborator Contribution | The clinical team and neurosurgeons will be offering clinical care and help to identify potential participants for the study. |
Impact | Three participants have been recruited through the collaboration. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Clinical collaborator in UCLH |
Organisation | University College Hospital |
Department | University College London Hospitals Charity (UCLH) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | The research team design and carry out the study. |
Collaborator Contribution | The clinical partner offer clinical care to the patients and help to identify and recruit participants in the study. |
Impact | Two participants have been recruited through the collaboration. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Collaboration with the Control Team in Dept of Engineering Science in University of oxford |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Department | Department of Engineering Science |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I approached Prof Mark Cannon in the Control group of Dept. of Engineering Science at University of Oxford. Through the collaboration, we aim to exploit the benefits of advanced control algorithms including Model Predictive Control (MPC) in closed-loop Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for improving the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). My group has experience in developing state-dependent adaptive DBS for Parkinson's disease and Essential Tremor, and in developing new Brain Computer Interfaces based on subcortical local field potentials. We will bring their expertise in real-time signal processing, real-time system implementation, dynamic modelling and machine-learning methods. |
Collaborator Contribution | Prof Mark Cannon has world-wide reputation in model-predictive control, which has revolutionized other areas of biomedical engineering such as drug delivery. His research is concerned with the design of controllers for uncertain systems with the aim of optimising performance subject to constraints. Cannon will bring essential expertise in designing controllers for non-linear stochastic dynamic systems with the aim to optimise performance subject to clinical and technical constraints. |
Impact | This is a multi-disciplinary collaboration, bringing together expertise and disciplines in clinical neuroscience and modern control theories. We have drafted research proposals on designing and testing a hierarchical, i.e. multi-layer, closed-loop control structure combining the benefits of both classical linear feedback controllers and Model Predictive Control (MPC) for improving the efficacy and reducing side effect of Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's disease. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Collaborator in Marseille |
Organisation | Institute of Neuroscience of Timone |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | With my expertise in electrophysiology and in Parkinson's disease, I have contributed to coming up with a new research proposal for a grant application together with my collaborator. I will also help to train staff. |
Collaborator Contribution | Through my partner, the collaboration will allow me to extend my research, to test different research ideas and to have access to patients in Marseilles. |
Impact | A new proposal has been submitted. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Fudan University (Neural and Intelligence Engineering Center) |
Organisation | Fudan University |
Country | China |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I visited the partners in Fudan University and shared with them some of my research ideas, and propose to analyse some data which are available together from a different perspective. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partners are in Neural and Intelligence Engineering Center, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. The partner have provided data they previously collected which is very relevant to my project: decoding voluntary movements and postural tremor based on thalamic LFPs for closed-loop stimulation for essential tremor. |
Impact | I analysed the data and a manuscript has been submitted to Brain Stimulation and currently under review. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière - ICM |
Organisation | ICM (Brain & Spine Institute) |
Country | France |
Sector | Hospitals |
PI Contribution | We bring our expertise in recording electrophysiological as well as behavioural data from patients with Parkinson's disease, and our experience in gait research and novel DBS algorithms for the collaboration. |
Collaborator Contribution | The Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière - ICM (Brain & Spine Institute) - is an international brain and spinal cord research center where patients, doctors and researchers are brought together with the aim of rapidly developing treatments for disorders of the nervous system, to enable patients to benefit from them as quickly as possible. |
Impact | We have submitted a joint application and successfully obtained funding for the Network of Centres of Excellence in Neurodegeneration (CoEN) 2019 call. In this proposal, we aim to better understand the neural basis of freezing of gait in Parkinsn's disease with the aim to predict the likely occurrence of these transient FoG episodes, and to evaluate the effectiveness a novel biomimetic pattern of STN stimulation as a treatment promoting resistance to FoG. This would pave the way for early detection of episodic gait disturbances that could be used to control switching between DBS stimulation patterns that are most appropriate for minimizing risk of falling at a given moment in time. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Kareem Zaghloul NIH |
Organisation | National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | My research team brings expertise in signal processing and experimental design for studying cognitive and motor function in Parkinson's Disease. |
Collaborator Contribution | The lab of Dr Kareem Zaghloul exploits the unique investigative opportunities provided by intracranial electrical recordings during neurosurgical procedures. Using recordings captured from epilepsy patients implanted with subdural and depth electrodes, we investigate the activation of cortical networks during memory encoding and recall.And using the recordings captured during the implantation of deep brain stimulators, we investigate the role of the basal ganglia in learning and decision making. |
Impact | We are collaborating on co-supervising a PhD student funded by the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | New Collaboration with Sergiu Groppa, JGU University Mainz, Germany |
Organisation | Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The contribution of my group in this collaboration is to provide mature experimental paradigm to study fine-tuned movements and sensorimotor adaptation with simultaneous LFP/EEG recordings, strong skills and expertise in signal processing and modelling, experiences and equipment for closed-loop neuromodulation. |
Collaborator Contribution | Sergiu Groppa is Professor of Neurology and Head of Movement Disorders, Neurostimulation and Imaing at the Department of Neurology, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz. The main focus of his scientific work is the investigation of brain reorganization and adaptation in neurological disorders and brain networks modulation through invasive and non-invasive neurostimulation methods. So the two groups have common interest and overlapping skills. But Gergiu's group also bring in skills and expertise in imaging, brain specimens acervation, blood and CSF phenotyping, as well as clinical profiling. |
Impact | A pre-proposal has been submitted to a call for 'Collaborative Research Network: Circuitry and Brain-body Interactions', a program of the Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) initiative being implemented through The Michael J. Fox Foundation. The pre-proposal has been selected for a full submission. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Oxford OHBA |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Department | Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | My team proposed to apply the methods developed by the collaborators on LFPs recorded from basal ganglia in order to decode movement status for advanced BMIs. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partners have developed a method that can be used for the current project. |
Impact | A join publication has now been submitted, and new projects and research ideas have been developed. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Tiao Tong University |
Organisation | Ruijin Hospital |
Country | China |
Sector | Hospitals |
PI Contribution | We bring our expertise in experimental design and signal processing in the collaboration. |
Collaborator Contribution | The functional neurosurgery team in Ruijing Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University is known for piloting clinical trials on new targets for Deep Brain Stimulation for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. This allowed us to record signals from deep brain structures related to emotional processing in patients with Psychiatric disorders. |
Impact | This collaboration is multi-disciplinary combining disciplines in neuroscience and clinical practice. This collaboration allowed us to complete a study investigating the neural oscillation in the habenula during emotional processing in patients with psychiatric disorders. A manuscript has been uploaded to BioRxiv and under review with eLife. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | St George's Hospital London |
Organisation | St Georges Hospital |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Hospitals |
PI Contribution | We have established collaboration with the functional neurosurgery team in St George's Hospital London for recruitment of patients. |
Collaborator Contribution | The Functional Neurosurgery Group at St George's Hospital London form a very busy clinical centre with over 30 PD patients to be operated for DBS over the course of next year, with the service still expanding. The Group is led by a young, highly motivated team with particular interest in research. |
Impact | We have recruited more than 30 patients for our studies in St George's hospital London, and have co-authored publications. We have also trained their team in research, including setting up equipment for recording, experimental design and signal processing. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Tiantan Hospital, China |
Organisation | Beijing Tiantan Hospital |
Country | China |
Sector | Hospitals |
PI Contribution | I have established collaboration with the functional neurosurgery team at Tiantan Hospital, Beijing Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. I'm helping supervising the analysis of data recorded in patients with PD during sleep, and patients with disorders of consciousness. |
Collaborator Contribution | they have recorded previous data from patients during a whole night sleep, which can help answer lots of research qustions. |
Impact | We have collaborated papers published, and another one under review. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy |
Organisation | Campus Bio-Medico University |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We contributed to the recording and data analysis of a collaborative project on how vagus nerve stimulation changes neural activities and gait. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partners contributed to the design of the project, recruitment of patients, and data analysis. |
Impact | WE have a joint publication in movement disorders: https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mds.29690 |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | University Hospital Cologne |
Organisation | University Hospital Cologne International |
Department | Department of Functional Neurosurgery and Stereotaxy |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Hospitals |
PI Contribution | I contacted the partners, shared with them some of my research ideas, and propose to analyse some data which are available from their center from a different perspective. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partner have provided some precious data they previously collected which is very relevant to my project: decoding voluntary movements and postural tremor based on thalamic LFPs for closed-loop stimulation for essential tremor. |
Impact | I analysed the data and a manuscript has been submitted to Brain Stimulation and currently under review. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Title | Emulation of Electrophysiological Signals Derived By Stimulation Of A Body |
Description | Emulation of Electrophysiological Signals Derived By Stimulation Of A Body |
IP Reference | |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2019 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | This is a hardware emulator of how pathological brain activities in basal ganglia will respond to electrical stimulation with different parameters. This will allow the designing and testing of different closed-loop control algorithms for Parkinson's disease. |
Title | Measurement of an Electrophysiological Signals During Stimulation of a Target Area of a Body |
Description | When generating a stimulation signal comprising stimulation pulses delivered to a target area of a human or animal body, an electrophysiological signal measured from the body for closed-loop control of the stimulation signal, is sampled, at a sampling frequency in an analogue-to-digital converter for deriving a feedback signal for closed-loop control of the stimulation signal. The generation of the stimulation signal and the sampling of the electrophysiological signal are synchronised and have a relative phase selected to cause the sampling to occur outside the stimulation pulses, which prevents the effect of the stimulation pulses from interfering with the digital electrophysiological signal, while allowing maintenance of Nyquist-Shannon rules and the integrity of the discrete Laplace transform (z-transform) required in discrete control theory. |
IP Reference | GB1816141.4 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2018 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Closed-loop DBS has shown great potential in reducing side effect in people with Parkinson's disease (PD); and closed-loop approaches are receiving increasing attention in 30 other fields such as deep brain stimulation for psychiatric disorders, spinal cord stimulation, peripheral or autonomic nerve stimulation and non-invasive brain stimulation. However, this new approach suffers from an important technological limitation that the electrophysiological signal measured close to the stimulation target as a feedback signal is corrupted by large electrical artefacts derived from the stimulation signal. This is an inevitable consequence of the electrical stimuli delivered simultaneously during recording. This leads to significant problems which corrupt the extracted LFP signal and making it less suitable for closed-loop applications. The invention that has been submitted for patent protection is a method to significant reduce stimulation artifact in the measurements of electrophysiological signals simultaneously recorded with stimulation. It will resolve a main obstacle for any type of closed-loop modulation that uses the electrophysiological signals recorded close to the stimulation site as a feedback signal in order to adapt the stimulation to the physiological states. |
Title | TREATMENT OF GAIT IMPAIRMENT USING DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION |
Description | There is provided a stimulation device for treatment of gait impairment of a patient. The stimulation device is configured to apply respective stimulation signals to electrodes bilaterally implanted in two subcortical regions of the left and right hemispheres of the brain of the patient, the subcortical regions being associated with motor control. The stimulation device is configured to apply respective stimulation signals having a rate of electrical energy delivered that is modulated with alternating waveforms at a gait frequency and out of phase with each other. |
IP Reference | WO2021250398 |
Protection | Patent / Patent application |
Year Protection Granted | 2021 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | There is provided a stimulation device for treatment of gait impairment of a patient. The stimulation device is configured to apply respective stimulation signals to electrodes bilaterally implanted in two subcortical regions of the left and right hemispheres of the brain of the patient, the subcortical regions being associated with motor control. The stimulation device is configured to apply respective stimulation signals having a rate of electrical energy delivered that is modulated with alternating waveforms at a gait frequency and out of phase with each other. |
Title | Investigating the possibility and benefit of closed-loop deep brain stimulation by detecting the voluntary movement and postural tremor on patients with tremor |
Description | Lots of patients suffer from tremor which predominantly occurs during voluntary movement and/or while maintaining a certain posture. For example, Essential tremor (ET), a progressive neurological disorder that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking, is one of the most common movement disorders. Dystonia tremor is another condition in which tremor is typically intermittent (stops and starts). Continuous deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an approved and effective therapy for both ET or Dystonia tremor. However, due to disease progression or the brain becoming used to stimulation, many patients lose the benefit of DBS over time. In these circumstances, an increased stimulation intensity is usually required in order to maintain the beneficial effect. Increased stimulation intensity can be associated with side effects including unpleasant sensations, slurred speech and unsteadiness walking. A promising innovative DBS treatment, known as closed-loop or adaptive DBS, aims to only deliver stimulation when necessary, and so, reduce these side effects, save on battery power, and prolong the time for which DBS provides benefit to patients. In this study, the researchers will evaluate if the closed-loop DBS system is effective in reducing tremor, saves energy in comparison to traditional continuous DBS, and could be used to predict the onset of tremors so DBS can be switched on in advance for improved patient outcomes. |
Type | Management of Diseases and Conditions |
Current Stage Of Development | Initial development |
Year Development Stage Completed | 2020 |
Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
Clinical Trial? | Yes |
Impact | A manuscript has been accepted by Movement Disorders based on the first 8 patients recruited for this trial. |
URL | http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN56186994 |
Title | Investigating the relationship between movement initiation and beta bursts in patients with Parkinson's disease by neurofeedback training |
Description | Beta bursts (increase in certain brain signals known as beta oscillations) in specific brain circuits have been associated with rigidity and slow movement in Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as associated with the initiation of movement in healthy subjects. The suppression of beta bursts through medication or deep brain stimulation (DBS) correlates with improvement in the symptoms of PD. In particular, the occurrence of the beta bursts just before a signal to start moving slows these movements. In this study, we used a neurofeedback behavior task in order to investigate whether patients with Parkinson's disease and healthy volunteers can learn to suppress beta bursts with neurofeedback training and whether the training improves performance in a subsequent movement task. This clinical trial is funded by the MRC. We are actively seeking further funding for the further development and distribution. |
Type | Management of Diseases and Conditions |
Current Stage Of Development | Initial development |
Year Development Stage Completed | 2020 |
Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
Clinical Trial? | Yes |
Impact | The results of the study has led to a few publications of high impact, and we have also published the data for free access from this trial. |
URL | http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12684957?q=neurofeedback%20for%20parkinson%27s%20disease&filters=&sort=&... |
Description | Conversation and Discussion with donors |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Supporters |
Results and Impact | We had an online discussion with Rosetrees and charitable donors. We introduced our work and showed why we think they are important and why we are enthusiastic about it. We have agreed to host another visitor for the charitable donors to our research Unit after the pandemic. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Demonstration for Visitors from French Embassy in London |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Presentation of MRC BNDU reasearch and discussion about MRC-led research with the Scientific Attachée (Life Sciences, Biology and Medicine) Higher Education, Research and Innovation Department of the French Embassy in London. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Discussion with IBM |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | We attended the Oxford - IBM Workshop, in which we had a series of short presentations from both sides with time for discussion in between. Some breakout sessions have been set up virtually for multiple conversations. Time have also be set aside to discuss mechanisms for scaling up the interactions and facilitating collaboration. After the initial workshop, we had another separate meeting the IBM team discussing further collaborations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | I'm a Scientist, Stay at home Medical Research - April to July 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | In April to July 2020, Petra Fischer and Shenghong He from Brown/Tan group took part in the Virtual I'm a Scientist, Stay at home Medical Research. This is a yearly event organised by the MRC is an online, STEM engagement activity for school students who can take part in live text-based CHATs, ASK questions and VOTE for their favourite researcher/technician.This public engagement activity this year aims to help students stay engaged with STEM during the school closures. The children's curiosity and the diversity of scientists participating in the scheme were excellent. The chats were fast-paced and fun - a very effective way to engage with school children. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | In2Science UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Five Year 13 students were enrolled on a 2-week programme (non-residential) during which are given 1.) personalised mentoring from scientists; 2.) Opportunities to gain a wide variety of practical experiences as well as exposure to key concepts and challenges in research; 3.) Integrated workshops with in2scienceUK, where the pupils receive guidance on university applications, wider information about STEM careers, and training in transferable skills. I give presentations to those students, show them the studies that we are conducting, and show them different research tools my team is using. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/outreach |
Description | In2science 'virtual placement programme' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | In July/August 2020, MRC BNDU continues to participate in the previously partnered with the charity In2science to host Year 12 school pupils enrolled on their STEM work-experience programme. This public engagement activity aims to empower young people from disadvantaged background to achieve their potential through life changing opportunities that give them insights into STEM careers and research and boosts their skills and confidence. Each summer, for the past 4 years, we have delivered personalised mentoring and rich STEM experiences for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Beatriz Silveira de Arruda and Shenghong He from Brown/Tan group together with some members of the Dupret and Magill group took part in a research-based module "Interacting with the brain" that was jointly designed and delivered in support of In2scienceUK's Virtual Placement Programme. They organised webinars and research tasks (with real data!) for the students who took part. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://in2scienceuk.org/ |
Description | MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit Open Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The MRC Unit open day aims to to encourage students into science and research, and to demonstrate the facilities within the Unit and the research being conducted. The open day has occurred every year. Each year, around 120 students/teachers from local schools will visit the unit. My team will have a demonstration about trans-cranial magnetic stimulation, showing how TMS can be used in research, as well as in clinical diagnosis and therapy. We conduct simple and fun experiments which can help to answer some questions about how the brain controls movements. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
Description | Patient group presentation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
Results and Impact | Together with a D.Phil. student from the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit at the University of Oxford, Eszter Kormann, I attended a branch meeting of the Parkinson's UK at Banbury on 17th Aug to visit about 40 members of a local group of people affected by Parkinson's, including patients, carers and their friends and families. The visit began with a talk from Eszter on the role of brain rhythms in Parkinson's, drawing on her work with patients as well as the use of animal models in Parkinson's research. Huiling then introduced some of the Unit's research on brain stimulation for the treatment of Parkinson's, and shared some exciting new developments for improving these therapeutic approaches. Each of the talks was integrated with a lively discussion session in which the audience's questions came thick and fast, stimulating further conversations about Unit discoveries made in the clinic and at the lab bench. Feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, and included: "The presentations were pitched at just the right level for our members, very few of whom have any significant scientific or medical knowledge." "I was very interested and encouraged to learn that closed-loop Deep Brain Stimulation may be available to some Parkinson's patients in the future." |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/eszter-and-huiling-take-unit-science-out-local-people-affected-par... |
Description | School visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Together with a few other colleagues from the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit, we visited a local girls' school to demonstrated different research tools and did activities with students. Ninety students between 11-16 years old attended the event. This sparked questions and discussion afterwards, and the school reported increased interest in related subject areas. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Unit School Open Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | My group participated in the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit School open day. in this event, my group demontrated EEG based brain computer interfaces for typying to high school students. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/schools-open-day-2023#:~:text=On%20the%2021st%20of%20March,its%20a... |
Description | Workshop Presentation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | It is an international workshop organized by the Israel Science Foundation and the British Council. The workshop aims to bring together a multidisciplinary group of experimental and theoretical neuroscientists for a series of lectures and discussions, to encourage collaboration and widen the vision of undergraduate/postgraduate students in Israel. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |