Neurotechnology for restoring and enhancing sensorimotor, autonomic, and cognitive functions
Event details
| Date | 30.11.2017 |
| Hour | 12:15 › 13:15 |
| Speaker | Prof. Douglas J. Weber, University of Pittsburgh, USA. |
| Location | |
| Category | Conferences - Seminars |
CENTER FOR NEUROPROSTHETICS (CNP) SEMINAR
Abstract:
Significant advances in micro- and nanotechnologies over the last decade have enabled clinically relevant neurotechnologies that measure and effect neural activity in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The first half of this talk will focus on research in my lab aimed at developing neural interfaces that enable natural control and sensation for prosthetic limbs. The second half of the talk will describe my recent work at DARPA in three programs that are pushing the boundaries of neural interface technology to create devices and therapies that are effective, reliable, and safe enough for long-term use in humans. DARPA’s Hand Proprioception and Touch Interfaces (HAPTIX) program is working to create a fully implantable system that interfaces with peripheral nerves in amputees. The Electrical Prescriptions (ElectRx) program is developing new technologies for interfacing with nerves in minimally- or non-invasive ways using novel magnetic, optogenetic, and ultrasound-based technologies. In each instance, these new mechanisms of interrogating and stimulating the peripheral nervous system are driving towards unparalleled spatiotemporal resolution, cell-type specificity and targeting, and noninvasiveness with the goal of creating closed-loop neuromodulation systems for humans. Peripheral neuromodulation strategies may also provide opportunities to enhance cognitive functions in healthy individuals. DARPA’s Targeted Neuroplasticity Training (TNT) program seeks to advance the pace and effectiveness of cognitive skills training through the precise activation of peripheral nerves that can in turn promote and strengthen neuronal connections in the brain. Each of these programs focus on achieving a mechanistic understanding of the neural circuits underlying the targeted functions, establishing a foundation for building technology that interfaces precisely and reliably with those circuits to restore or enhance functions.
Bio:
Doug Weber is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Weber recently completed a 4-year term as Program Manager in the Biological Technologies office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Dr. Weber received a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Arizona State University and completed post-doctoral training in the Centre for Neuroscience at the University of Alberta. His primary research area is Neural Engineering, including studies of motor learning and control of walking and reaching with an emphasis on applications to neurotechnology and rehabilitation medicine. Specific research interests include functional electrical stimulation, activity-based neuromotor rehabilitation, neural coding, and neural control of prosthetic devices. Active projects in his lab are focused on building neuro-machine interfaces to enable amputees to achieve natural control and sensation with robotic limbs.
Abstract:
Significant advances in micro- and nanotechnologies over the last decade have enabled clinically relevant neurotechnologies that measure and effect neural activity in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The first half of this talk will focus on research in my lab aimed at developing neural interfaces that enable natural control and sensation for prosthetic limbs. The second half of the talk will describe my recent work at DARPA in three programs that are pushing the boundaries of neural interface technology to create devices and therapies that are effective, reliable, and safe enough for long-term use in humans. DARPA’s Hand Proprioception and Touch Interfaces (HAPTIX) program is working to create a fully implantable system that interfaces with peripheral nerves in amputees. The Electrical Prescriptions (ElectRx) program is developing new technologies for interfacing with nerves in minimally- or non-invasive ways using novel magnetic, optogenetic, and ultrasound-based technologies. In each instance, these new mechanisms of interrogating and stimulating the peripheral nervous system are driving towards unparalleled spatiotemporal resolution, cell-type specificity and targeting, and noninvasiveness with the goal of creating closed-loop neuromodulation systems for humans. Peripheral neuromodulation strategies may also provide opportunities to enhance cognitive functions in healthy individuals. DARPA’s Targeted Neuroplasticity Training (TNT) program seeks to advance the pace and effectiveness of cognitive skills training through the precise activation of peripheral nerves that can in turn promote and strengthen neuronal connections in the brain. Each of these programs focus on achieving a mechanistic understanding of the neural circuits underlying the targeted functions, establishing a foundation for building technology that interfaces precisely and reliably with those circuits to restore or enhance functions.
Bio:
Doug Weber is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Weber recently completed a 4-year term as Program Manager in the Biological Technologies office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Dr. Weber received a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Arizona State University and completed post-doctoral training in the Centre for Neuroscience at the University of Alberta. His primary research area is Neural Engineering, including studies of motor learning and control of walking and reaching with an emphasis on applications to neurotechnology and rehabilitation medicine. Specific research interests include functional electrical stimulation, activity-based neuromotor rehabilitation, neural coding, and neural control of prosthetic devices. Active projects in his lab are focused on building neuro-machine interfaces to enable amputees to achieve natural control and sensation with robotic limbs.
Practical information
- Informed public
- Free
Organizer
- Hosts: Prof S. Micera and Prof G. Courtine