Neuro-X Seminar: From fundamental neuroscience to bidirectional brain-computer interfaces

As humans, we perform actions to achieve the things we want. While preparing or performing these actions, we may experience intentions and desires about their timing and purpose. In my research, I study the neural processes and conscious experiences that initiate and guide one particular type of intended action: voluntary movement. I use this knowledge to develop intuitive brain-computer interfaces for restoring (tactile) perception and autonomy in individuals with limited sensory and movement capabilities. Via a collaboration between the Universities of Pittsburgh and Chicago, I work with three participants with tetraplegia that have long-term intracortical micro-electrode array implants in their somatosensory and motor cortices for the real-time perception and control of a robotic arm. By stimulating specific areas in their somatosensory cortex, localized touch sensations can be evoked on the participant’s (paralyzed) hand. In this talk, I will discuss (1) what neural signals relate to the initiation of an action and the timing and vividness of one’s conscious intention to act, (2) to what degree artificially evoked tactile sensations can be similar to natural touch, and (3) how contextual factors may influence these neural processes, conscious intentions and tactile sensations during motor control.