In Association with:

Commercial Aspects Workshop - Pre Conference Event

Sponsorship Packages for World Congress of Neurotechnolog

Bursaries are available for selected individuals for the World Congress of Neurotechnology Conference

Most Recent Articles Published on Neurotechnology

These articles are generated by an RSS Feed from Pubmed. WCNeurotech are not responsible for the content of any external links which may be included in the feed.

Pain assessment: subjectivity, objectivity, and the use of neurotechnology.

Pain Physician. 2010 Jul;13(4):305-15

Authors: Giordano J, Abramson K, Boswell MV

The pain clinician is confronted with the formidable task of objectifying the subjective phenomenon of pain so as to determine the right treatments for both the pain syndrome and the patient in whom the pathology is expressed. However, the experience of pain - and its expression - remains enigmatic. Can currently available evaluative tools, questionnaires, and scales actually provide adequately objective information about the experiential dimensions of pain? Can, or will, current and future iterations of biotechnology - whether used singularly or in combination (with other technologies as well as observational-behavioral methods) - afford objective validation of pain? And what of the clinical, ethical, legal and social issues that arise in and from the use - and potential misuse - of these approaches? Subsequent trajectories of clinical care depend upon the findings gained through the use of these techniques and their inappropriate employment - or misinterpretation of the results they provide - can lead to misdiagnoses and incorrect treatment. This essay is the first of a two-part series that explicates how the intellectual tasks of knowing about pain and the assessment of its experience and expression in the pain patient are constituent to the moral responsibility of pain medicine. Herein, we discuss the problem of pain and its expression, and those methods, techniques, and technologies available to bridge the gap between subjective experience and objective evaluation. We address how these assessment approaches are fundamental to apprehend both pain as an objective, neurological event, and its impact upon the subjective experience, existence, and expectations of the person in pain. In this way, we argue that the right use of technology - together with inter-subjectivity, compassion, and insight - can sustain the good of pain care as both a therapeutic and moral enterprise.

PMID: 20648198 [PubMed - in process]

Contemporary neuroscience in the media.

Soc Sci Med. 2010 Jun 4;

Authors: Racine E, Waldman S, Rosenberg J, Illes J

Technological innovations in neuroscience have opened new windows to the understanding of brain function and the neuronal underpinnings of brain activity in neuropsychiatric disorders and social behavior. Public interest and support for neuroscience research through initiatives like the Decade of the Brain project and increasingly diverse brain-related initiatives have created new interfaces between neuroscience and society. Against this backdrop of dynamic innovation, we set out to examine how different features of neuroscience are depicted in print media. We used the 'guided news' function of the LexisNexis Academic database with keyword searches to find news articles published between 1995 and 2004 in major U.S. and U.K. English-language news sources. We performed searches on headlines, lead paragraphs, and body terms to maximize search yields. All articles were coded for overall tone of coverage, details on reported studies, presence of ethical, legal, and social discussion as well as the emerging interpretations of neuroscience - in the form of neuro-essentialism, neuro-realism, and neuro-policy. We found that print media coverage of the use of neurotechnology for diagnosis or therapy in neuropsychiatric disorders was generally optimistic. We also found that, even within articles that were identified as research reports, many did not provide details about research studies. We also gained additional insights into the previously identified phenomena of neuro-essentialism, neuro-realism, and neuro-policy showing some profound impacts of neuroscience on personal identity and policy-making. Our results highlight the implications of transfer of neuroscience knowledge to society given the substantial and authoritative weight ascribed to neuroscience knowledge in defining who we are. We also discuss the impact of these findings on neuroscience and on the respective contributions of the social sciences and the biological sciences in contemporary psychiatry and mental health policy.

PMID: 20609506 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Minding the Aging Brain: Technology-Enabled Cognitive Training for Healthy Elders.

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2010 Jun 11;

Authors: Steinerman JR

Cognitive training refers to theory-driven behavioral intervention, ideally supported by a strong conceptual framework and specified neurocognitive mechanisms. Within this field, neurotechnology promises many advantages, and a growing literature establishes technology-enabled cognitive training as a promising modality to promote positive cognition in consumer, research, clinical, and public health settings. Methodologic challenges remain, and specific cognitive training recommendations for healthy elders must be tentative in the context of an emerging evidence base.

PMID: 20544402 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Bifurcating microchannels as a scaffold to induce separation of regenerating neurites.

J Neural Eng. 2010 Feb;7(1):16001

Authors: Wieringa PA, Wiertz RW, de Weerd E, Rutten WL

Many neural interfacing strategies, such as the sieve electrode and the cultured probe, rely on neurite growth to establish neural contact. But this growth is subject to natural fasciculation, compromising the effectiveness of these interfacing strategies by reducing potential selectivity. This in vitro study shows that the fasciculation mechanism can be manipulated by providing an appropriate microchannel scaffold to guide and influence growth, thereby achieving a high degree of selectivity. The microchannels employed have a bifurcation from a primary channel into two secondary channels. This bifurcating microstructure was able to support and promote fasciculated growth over 70% of the time for microchannels widths of 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 microm. Fasciculation is shown to be a strong force during ingrowth, with the initiation of neurite separation related to random spatial exploration. Narrower microchannels initiate separated growth better. Once separated growth starts fasciculation results in an even distribution of neurite growth across the bifurcation. The reduction from 20 microm to 10 microm wide channels also resulted in a 3-fold decrease in ingrowing neurites performing 180 degrees turns to exit the microchannel via the entrance. No neurite turning was observed for both the 5 and 2.5 microm wide channels.

PMID: 20054102 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

In vitro evaluation of the long-term stability of polyimide as a material for neural implants.

Biomaterials. 2010 Feb 6;

Authors: Rubehn B, Stieglitz T

In order to be used as a material for neural prostheses, polyimide has to withstand the body environment over years. To obtain more information about the long-term stability of this material, we tested three commercially available polyimides (PI2611 - HD-Microsystems (type: BPDA-PPD), U-Varnish-S - UBE (type: BPDA-PPD), Durimide 7510 - Fujifilm (type: information not provided)). Specimens were stored in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37 degrees C to simulate body temperature and at elevated temperatures of 60 degrees C and 85 degrees C to accelerate aging. During the course of 20 months, stress-strain curves were measured monthly by tensile testing. From these curves the Young's modulus, the stress and strain at break, the stress at 10% strain as well as the fracture energy were extracted and used to characterize and to statistically evaluate the mechanical material properties. Mass loss was determined by weighing polyimide foils (Upilex25S - UBE) and optical measurements were conducted to examine changes in chemical structure and crystallinity. At 37 degrees C and 60 degrees C no change in material behavior could be observed, except for an increase of the Young's modulus of the BPDA-PPD type stored at 60 degrees C. This demonstrates the long-term stability of all tested polyimides with respect to PBS. All extracted quantities mentioned above, as well as the mass, decreased in specimens stored in PBS at 85 degrees C. As a comparison, BPDA-PPD type specimens stored at 85 degrees C in deionized water showed no change in any property but behaved similarly to the reference material.

PMID: 20144477 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Bifurcating microchannels as a scaffold to induce separation of regenerating neurites.

J Neural Eng. 2010 Jan 6;7(1):16001

Authors: Wieringa PA, Wiertz RW, de Weerd E, Rutten WL

PMID: 20054102 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Implantable Brain Computer Interface: Challenges to Neurotechnology Translation.

Neurobiol Dis. 2009 Dec 22;

Authors: Konrad P, Shanks T

This article reviews three concepts related to implantable brain computer interface (BCI) devices being designed for human use: neural signal extraction primarily for motor commands, signal insertion to restore sensation, and technological challenges that remain. A significant body of literature has occurred over the past four decades regarding motor cortex signal extraction for upper extremity movement or computer interface. However, little is discussed regarding postural or ambulation command signaling. Auditory prosthesis research continues to represent the majority of literature on BCI signal insertion. Significant hurdles continue in the technological translation of BCI implants. These include developing a stable neural interface, significantly increasing signal processing capabilities, and methods of data transfer throughout the human body. The past few years however, have provided extraordinary human examples of BCI implant potential. Despite technological hurdles, proof-of-concept animal and human studies provide significant encouragement that BCI implants may well find their way into mainstream medical practice in the foreseeable future.

PMID: 20035870 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The Therapeutic Milieu Reconceptualized for the 21st Century.

Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2009 Dec;23(6):423-429

Authors: Mahoney JS, Palyo N, Napier G, Giordano J

The notion of the therapeutic milieu has come under fire for lack of relevance to current inpatient psychiatric care environments. Yet, in different fields of health care, scholars are suggesting a need to build healing environments. A view of the therapeutic milieu as an optimal healing environment based on continuous healing relationships, patient-centered care, safety as a systems priority, and cooperation among clinicians provides a framework to organize care in a holistic manner that supports positive health outcomes. This approach provides a platform for nurses and other clinicians to expand the view of a milieu traditionally limited to the unit environment to one that includes a broad systems context.

PMID: 19926024 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Neuropsychotherapy: conceptual, empirical and neuroethical issues.

Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2009 Nov;259 Suppl 2:S173-82

Authors: Walter H, Berger M, Schnell K

In this article we suggest a working definition for the concept of "neuropsychotherapy" encompassing three areas: the identification of mediators and targets of psychotherapeutic effects, the determination of new therapeutic routes using neurotechnology, and the design of psychotherapeutic interventions based on neuroscientific knowledge. We review neuroimaging studies of the psychotherapy of depression and discuss some of the methodological limitations inherent in functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and common fallacies perpetrated in interpreting fMRI studies. Finally, we discuss some neuroethical issues related to this new and active field of research. In sum, we argue that neuroscience harbors great potential and add-on value for improving psychotherapeutic practice and research if applied properly.

PMID: 19876676 [PubMed - in process]

Neurotechnology and society (2010-2060).

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 May;1013:229-33

Authors: Lynch Z

To illuminate the societal implications of NBIC (nano-bio-info-cogno) technologies it is critical to place them within a broad historical context. By viewing recent human history as a series of techno-economic waves with accompanying socio-political responses, a framework emerges that can be used to understand how business, politics, and human culture will be affected by NBIC technologies. One important development that the NBIC convergence is making possible is neurotechnology, the set of tools that can influence the human central nervous system, especially the brain. The diffusion of neurotechnology will give rise to a new type of human society-a post-industrial, post-informational neurosociety.

PMID: 15194618 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Actigraphic monitoring of the activity-rest behavior of preterm and full-term infants at 20 months of age.

Chronobiol Int. 2004 Jul;21(4-5):661-71

Authors: Gössel-Symank R, Grimmer I, Korte J, Siegmund R

Differences in the activity-rest behavior of preterm and full-term infants provide an important contribution to the analysis of the ontogeny of circadian rhythms. In this study, we recorded the activity-rest behavior of 17 preterm and 8 full-term infants at the approximate age of 20 months over an average of 10 days by means of actigraphic monitoring (Actiwatch, Cambridge Neurotechnology Ltd.). At the same time, the parents of the infants kept a daily diary. The activity-rest rhythm, the nighttime sleep duration, the daytime rest duration, as well as the sleep quality of the infants were analyzed. Preterm and full-term infants at the age of 20 months show a circadian rhythm with a period length between 23 h 32 min (23:32 h) and 24 h 23 min (24:23 h). It can be concluded that the preterm and full-term infants all reached a vital developmental step by showing the dominant circadian rhythm in the spectrum. The daytime rest duration of preterm infants is significantly shorter than that of full-term infants. The sleep quality of preterm infants is significantly lower than that of full-term infants, which means that the preterm infants have a larger percentage of less restful nighttime sleep. In other studies preterm infants show an over-proportional frequency of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For this reason, future analyses should reveal whether or not actigraphic monitoring is a suitable means for an early identification of activity-rest behavior in children who may develop ADHD.

PMID: 15470961 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Neuroethics: the practical and the philosophical.

Trends Cogn Sci. 2005 Jan;9(1):34-40

Authors: Farah MJ

In comparison with the ethical issues surrounding molecular genetics, there has been little public awareness of the ethical implications of neuroscience. Yet recent progress in cognitive neuroscience raises a host of ethical issues of at least comparable importance. Some are of a practical nature, concerning the applications of neurotechnology and their likely implications for individuals and society. Others are more philosophical, concerning the way we think about ourselves as persons, moral agents and spiritual beings. This article reviews key examples of each type of issue, including the relevant advances in science and technology and their accompanying social and philosophical problems.

PMID: 15639439 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Comparison of PAEE from combined and separate heart rate and movement models in children.

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2005 Oct;37(10):1761-7

Authors: Corder K, Brage S, Wareham NJ, Ekelund U

PURPOSE: Accurate measurement of physical activity in children is a challenge. Combining physiological (e.g., heart rate (HR)) and body movement registration (e.g., accelerometry) may overcome limitations with either method used alone. This study aimed to compare the estimated physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) from hip- and ankle-mounted MTI Actigraphs, a hip-mounted Actical, and a new combined HR and movement sensor, the Actiheart (Cambridge Neurotechnology, Papworth, UK). METHODS: Resting EE and submaximal EE (treadmill walking and running) were measured in 39 children (13.2 +/- 0.3 yr) by indirect calorimetry during a progressive treadmill exercise bout. Associations between monitor outputs (activity counts, HR, and activity counts + HR) and the criterion were examined by linear regression models. The agreement between measured and predicted PAEE was examined by modified Bland-Altman plots in a subsample of participants. RESULTS: The combined Actiheart model (activity counts + HR) had the strongest relationship with PAEE (R2 = 0.86), compared with those from the single-measure models (R2 = 0.69 and 0.82 for the activity model and HR model). The explained variances from the other activity monitors were lower (R2 = 0.50, 0.37, and 0.67) for the hip MTI, ankle MTI, and Actical, respectively. In cross-validation analyses, significant correlations were observed between estimation errors of the methods with the criterion (r = 0.49 to 0.90) in all models using only activity counts indicating a large systematic error. The HR and combined models indicated less systematic error (r = 0.41 and 0.33, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Of the techniques considered, combined HR and movement sensing is the most valid for estimating PAEE in children during treadmill walking and running, compared with movement or HR alone. It also has the lowest level of systematic error.

PMID: 16260978 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Significant changes in physical activity among pregnant women in the UK as assessed by accelerometry and self-reported activity.

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 Mar;60(3):393-400

Authors: Rousham EK, Clarke PE, Gross H

OBJECTIVE: Research on the impact of maternal physical activity on pregnancy outcomes has often employed subjective measures of physical activity obtained by diary or questionnaire. This study investigates the feasibility of using accelerometry as an objective measure of physical activity of pregnant women compared with subjective data obtained via activity recall among pregnant women. DESIGN: Activity data were collected prospectively on 57 women at 12, 16, 25, 34 and 38 weeks of gestation. Total daily physical activity was assessed by ambulatory accelerometer and activity interview (self-report). Maternal personality variables (health value, extroversion) were assessed by established scales. SETTING: Leicestershire, UK. SUBJECTS: Pregnant women were recruited by voluntary participation via antenatal booking clinics. In all, 64 pregnant women with low-risk pregnancy were enrolled onto the study, of whom 57 completed the study. RESULTS: Mean 24 h physical activity levels (PAL) decreased significantly from second to third trimester as assessed by self-report interview (1.51-1.29 Metabolic Equivalent TEE-h/day, P<0.01) and accelerometry (200.05-147.42 counts/min, P<0.01). The correlation between the two measures declined as pregnancy progressed (r value ranging from 0.55 to 0.08). Compliance with the accelerometers declined from 90% at 12 weeks to 47% at 34 weeks (P<0.01). Compliance with the self-report interviews was 100%. Those who fully complied with the accelerometry demonstrated a significantly higher health value (P<0.05) and a significantly greater level of extroversion (P<0.05) than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Accelerometers and self-reported activity interviews both indicated a significant decline in PAL during pregnancy. Although subjects showed a willingness to use both methods, accelerometers resulted in variable compliance with 72 h monitoring. Both techniques may be limited by the need to measure low levels of physical activity during the third trimester. SPONSORSHIP: Cambridge Neurotechnology Ltd, UK, assisted with the provision of Actiwatch accelerometers.

PMID: 16306930 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Neuronal ensemble control of prosthetic devices by a human with tetraplegia.

Nature. 2006 Jul 13;442(7099):164-71

Authors: Hochberg LR, Serruya MD, Friehs GM, Mukand JA, Saleh M, Caplan AH, Branner A, Chen D, Penn RD, Donoghue JP

Neuromotor prostheses (NMPs) aim to replace or restore lost motor functions in paralysed humans by routeing movement-related signals from the brain, around damaged parts of the nervous system, to external effectors. To translate preclinical results from intact animals to a clinically useful NMP, movement signals must persist in cortex after spinal cord injury and be engaged by movement intent when sensory inputs and limb movement are long absent. Furthermore, NMPs would require that intention-driven neuronal activity be converted into a control signal that enables useful tasks. Here we show initial results for a tetraplegic human (MN) using a pilot NMP. Neuronal ensemble activity recorded through a 96-microelectrode array implanted in primary motor cortex demonstrated that intended hand motion modulates cortical spiking patterns three years after spinal cord injury. Decoders were created, providing a 'neural cursor' with which MN opened simulated e-mail and operated devices such as a television, even while conversing. Furthermore, MN used neural control to open and close a prosthetic hand, and perform rudimentary actions with a multi-jointed robotic arm. These early results suggest that NMPs based upon intracortical neuronal ensemble spiking activity could provide a valuable new neurotechnology to restore independence for humans with paralysis.

PMID: 16838014 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Ethical issues in neuroscience.

Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2006 Nov;19(6):600-7

Authors: Fuchs T

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The study gives an overview of ethical questions raised by the progress of neuroscience in identifying and intervening in neural correlates of the mind. RECENT FINDINGS: Ethical problems resulting from brain research have induced the emergence of a new discipline termed neuroethics. Critical questions concern issues, such as prediction of disease, psychopharmacological enhancement of attention, memory or mood, and technologies such as psychosurgery, deep-brain stimulation or brain implants. Such techniques are capable of affecting the individual's sense of privacy, autonomy and identity. Moreover, reductionist interpretations of neuroscientific results challenge notions of free will, responsibility, personhood and the self which are essential for western culture and society. They may also gradually change psychiatric concepts of mental health and illness. These tendencies call for thorough, philosophically informed analyses of research findings and critical evaluation of their underlying conceptions of humans. SUMMARY: Advances in neuroscience raise ethical, social and legal issues in relation to the human person and the brain. Potential benefits of applying neuroimaging, psychopharmacology and neurotechnology to mentally ill and healthy persons have to be carefully weighed against their potential harm. Questions concerning underlying concepts of humans should be actively dealt with by interdisciplinary and public debate.

PMID: 17012939 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

An ethics perspective on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and human neuromodulation.

Behav Neurol. 2006;17(3-4):149-57

Authors: Illes J, Gallo M, Kirschen MP

This paper concerns the ethics of human neuromodulation using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We examine the challenges of modulating the brain with TMS through the research ethics lens and in clinical medicine for treating frank pathology, primarily in psychiatric diseases. We also consider contemporary issues raised in the neuroethics literature about managing unexpected findings, and relate these to TMS and to other frontier neurotechnology that is becoming openly available in the public domain. We argue that safety and informed consent are of paramount importance for TMS, but that personal values and sociocultural factors must also be considered when examining the promise of this technology and applications that ought to be highlighted for extra precautions.

PMID: 17148834 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Assistive technology and robotic control using motor cortex ensemble-based neural interface systems in humans with tetraplegia.

J Physiol. 2007 Mar 15;579(Pt 3):603-11

Authors: Donoghue JP, Nurmikko A, Black M, Hochberg LR

This review describes the rationale, early stage development, and initial human application of neural interface systems (NISs) for humans with paralysis. NISs are emerging medical devices designed to allow persons with paralysis to operate assistive technologies or to reanimate muscles based upon a command signal that is obtained directly from the brain. Such systems require the development of sensors to detect brain signals, decoders to transform neural activity signals into a useful command, and an interface for the user. We review initial pilot trial results of an NIS that is based on an intracortical microelectrode sensor that derives control signals from the motor cortex. We review recent findings showing, first, that neurons engaged by movement intentions persist in motor cortex years after injury or disease to the motor system, and second, that signals derived from motor cortex can be used by persons with paralysis to operate a range of devices. We suggest that, with further development, this form of NIS holds promise as a useful new neurotechnology for those with limited motor function or communication. We also discuss the additional potential for neural sensors to be used in the diagnosis and management of various neurological conditions and as a new way to learn about human brain function.

PMID: 17272345 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Commercializing cognitive neurotechnology--the ethical terrain.

Nat Biotechnol. 2007 Apr;25(4):393-7

Authors: Eaton ML, Illes J

PMID: 17420741 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

An introduction to neural networks surgery, a field of neuromodulation which is based on advances in neural networks science and digitised brain imaging.

Acta Neurochir Suppl. 2007;97(Pt 2):3-13

Authors: Sakas DE, Panourias IG, Simpson BA

Operative Neuromodulation is the field of altering electrically or chemically the signal transmission in the nervous system by implanted devices in order to excite, inhibit or tune the activities of neurons or neural networks and produce therapeutic effects. The present article reviews relevant literature on procedures or devices applied either in contact with the cerebral cortex or cranial nerves or in deep sites inside the brain in order to treat various refractory neurological conditions such as: a) chronic pain (facial, somatic, deafferentation, phantom limb), b) movement disorders (Parkinson's disease, dystonia, Tourette syndrome), c) epilepsy, d) psychiatric disease, e) hearing deficits, and f) visual loss. These data indicate that in operative neuromodulation, a new field emerges that is based on neural networks research and on advances in digitised stereometric brain imaging which allow precise localisation of cerebral neural networks and their relay stations; this field can be described as Neural networks surgery because it aims to act extrinsically or intrinsically on neural networks and to alter therapeutically the neural signal transmission with the use of implantable electrical or electronic devices. The authors also review neurotechnology literature relevant to neuroengineering, nanotechnologies, brain computer interfaces, hybrid cultured probes, neuromimetics, neuroinformatics, neurocomputation, and computational neuromodulation; the latter field is dedicated to the study of the biophysical and mathematical characteristics of electrochemical neuromodulation. The article also brings forward particularly interesting lines of research such as the carbon nanofibers electrode arrays for simultaneous electrochemical recording and stimulation, closed-loop systems for responsive neuromodulation, and the intracortical electrodes for restoring hearing or vision. The present review of cerebral neuromodulatory procedures highlights the transition from the conventional neurosurgery of resective or ablative techniques to a highly selective "surgery of networks". The dynamics of the convergence of the above biomedical and technological fields with biological restorative approaches have important implications for patients with severe neurological disorders.

PMID: 17691284 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Page Last Updated : 10-01-2010