N eurons and neuronal networks decide, remember, modulate, and control an animal’s every sensation, thought, movement, and act. The intimate details of this network, including the dynamical properties of individual and populations of neurons, give a nervous system the power to control a wide array of behavioral functions. We want to know more about neuronal dynamics and networks; about synaptic interactions between neurons; about how neuronal signaling and behavior and control and environmental stimuli are inextricably linked. Consequently, we have begun in a multi-university, multi-disciplinary, multi-sponsor research program to integrate silicon electronics with neurobiology. The compelling scientific reason for this research is to correlate neuronal signaling and control with environmental stimuli and behavior, to better understand the neural substrates of behavior. With recent advances in ultralow mass and ultralow power electronics, we are poised to develop implantable microcomputers capable of dynamically interfacing with biological systems.

Manduca Sexta Tritonia Diomedea

Our research effort comprises five main thrusts:

  1. Develop a standalone implantable microcomputer that records from and stimulates neurons, sensory pathways, or motor control pathways in an intact animal, using intracellular probes, extracellular probes, or wire electrodes
  2. Develop miniaturized microelectromechanical (MEMS) probes for recording intracellularly from neurons in untethered animals
  3. Develop neurophysiological preparations and techniques for implanting microchips and wire electrodes or MEMS probes into or onto animals without damaging probes or tissue, including dealing with issues of biocompatability
  4. Develop analytical models of the biology, and experiments that software-test these models in behaving animals
  5. Reverse engineer winged flight and flight control in a flying insect, and locomotion and escape bahavior in a marine mollusc

Introduction

Faculty and Research Associates

Students and Postdoctoral Researchers

Sponsors

News and Press Releases

Publications

Research

Talks/Interviews/Presentations

Links

 Industry Support/Partners 

Education in Implantable Electronics

  • FHL Spring workshop 2001 -- Zoology 498 : Implantable Electrodes and Computers in Brain

Recent Status



 

Quote of the year:

"C slugs are, I'm sure, happy to die for the cause. Those C++ slugs are more selfish-- they're object-oriented. There must exist a Sidney Carton slug, squirming manfully to the guillotine: "it is a far, far better rest I go to than I have ever known before." It could have hopes of Elysian fields dense in seaweed and warm with tidal pools."

           --- Anonymous