Improvement of dynamic phosphene presentation for a cortical visual prosthesis is task-specific.

Cortical visual prostheses can restore vision by directly stimulating the neurons in the visual cortex. The goal of these prostheses is to elicit sufficient light perception, known as phosphenes, to represent complex scenes. However, stimulating a large number of electrodes in cortical visual prostheses can be problematic.

Naturalistic movies and encoding analysis define areal borders in marmoset third-tier visual cortex.

Accurate definition of the borders of cortical visual areas is essential for the study of neuronal processes leading to perception. However, data used for definition of areal boundaries have suffered from issues related to resolution, uniform coverage, or suitability for objective analysis, leading to ambiguity. Here, we present a novel approach that combines widefield optical imaging, presentation of naturalistic movies, and encoding model analysis, to objectively define borders in the primate extrastriate cortex.

Utilization of brain scans to create realistic phosphene maps for cortical visual prosthesis simulation studies.

It has been shown that we can restore sensations of light by stimulating the visual cortex. Cortical prosthetic vision consists of light perception in the visual field named phosphenes. Phosphenes are like pixels on a monitor which we can control to form the desired perception.

Electrical stimulation thresholds differ between V1 and V2.

Cortical visual prostheses are designed to treat blindness by restoring visual perceptions through artificial electrical stimulation of the primary visual cortex (V1). Intracortical microelectrodes produce the smallest visual percepts and thus higher resolution vision - like a higher density of pixels on a monitor. However, intracortical microelectrodes must maintain a minimum spacing to preserve tissue integrity.

A novel simulation paradigm utilising MRI-derived phosphene maps for cortical prosthetic vision.

We developed a realistic simulation paradigm for cortical prosthetic vision and investigated whether we can improve visual performance using a novel clustering algorithm.Cortical visual prostheses have been developed to restore sight by stimulating the visual cortex. To investigate the visual experience, previous studies have used uniform phosphene maps, which may not accurately capture generated phosphene map distributions of implant recipients.

Filling in the Visual Gaps: Shifting Cortical Activity using Current Steering.

Cortical vision prostheses are being developed to restore sight in blind patients. Existing electrode arrays that electrically stimulate cortical tissue to artificially induce neural activity are difficult to position directly next to each other. Leaving space between implants creates gaps in the visual field where no visual percepts can be created.

State-of-the-Art Wearable Sensors and Possibilities for Radar in Fall Prevention.

Radar technology is constantly evolving, and new applications are arising, particularly for the millimeter wave bands. A novel application for radar is gait monitoring for fall prevention, which may play a key role in maintaining the quality of life of people as they age. Alarming statistics indicate that one in three adults aged 65 years or older will experience a fall every year.

Local field potential phase modulates neural responses to intracortical electrical stimulation.

Cortical visual prostheses could one day help restore sight to the blind by targeting the visual cortex with electrical stimulation. However, power consumption and limited spatial resolution impose limits on performance, while large amounts of electrical charge sometimes necessary to evoke phosphenes can cause seizures. Here, we propose the use of the local field potential as a control signal for the timing of stimulation to reduce charge requirements.

Neurobionics and the brain-computer interface: current applications and future horizons.

The brain-computer interface (BCI) is an exciting advance in neuroscience and engineering. In a motor BCI, electrical recordings from the motor cortex of paralysed humans are decoded by a computer and used to drive robotic arms or to restore movement in a paralysed hand by stimulating the muscles in the forearm. Simultaneously integrating a BCI with the sensory cortex will further enhance dexterity and fine control.