Applications of local field potentials for closed-loop neural interfaces

The local field potential (LFP) has many advantages over action potentials for implantable neural interfaces, including low bandwidth and long-term stability. However, the LFP has traditionally been thought to reflect only the activity of large neuronal populations and therefore convey little information about brain networks. I will describe experiments demonstrating that the activity of single neurons can be decoded from multichannel LFPs and used for neurofeedback control of brain activity. In addition I will show how consistent dynamical features of the LFP can be used to extract movement parameters that can be used for Brain-Machine Interfaces. Finally I will describe experiments exploiting LFPs for closed-loop control of optogenetic stimulation, with the aim of developing an optoelectronic device for the suppression of epileptic seizures.

Bio:
My background combines physics (MPhys, Oxford University,UK 1994-1998) and Neuroscience (PhD, University College London, UK 1998-2002). From 2002 to 2006 I was a research fellow at the University of Washington, US where I developed ‘Neurochip’ technology for continuous monitoring and manipulation of neural activity. In 2006 I moved to Newcastle University where I am now a Professor of Neural Interfaces and Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Neuroscience. My laboratory conducts electrophysiological studies in non-human primates using implanted electrodes and wearable electronics, as well as human studies using non-invasive recording (EEG, EMG) and stimulation (TMS, TDCS). We study basic neuroscience questions about motor control, the neural correlates of learning, and brain dynamics during waking and sleep. In addition, a major interest is clinical applications of closed-loop neural interfaces in neurological injury and disease, for example, our work on closed-loop spinal cord stimulation to restore function to the upper-limb, and the CANDO consortium developing an optoelectronic device for closed-loop optogenetic prevention of seizures.