Area 1: Chronic electrical and optical access to the brain

The flexibility and transparency of our flexible neural interfaces make them highly compatible with optical imaging and stimulation of neural circuit activity. This means we can combine gold-standard electrical recordings with powerful techniques such as multiphoton imaging or optogenetics. We are developing platforms to chronically record from large populations of of neurons while imaging circuit activity that is challenging to recording electrically, such as synaptic activity and neurochemical signaling.

Area 2: Ultra-stable recordings from neuronal populations

The brain is soft and naturally produces micromotions. When traditional electrodes are inserted for recordings, brain tissue constantly shears against the rigid implants. This leads to scarring and unstable neural recordings. Our flexible implants move with brain tissue, providing highly stable recordings from many neurons simultaneously. In large animals, we are aiming for long-term implants that track the same neurons across months and years.

Area 3: The circuit pathways underlying learning

We use our state-of-the-art tools to study how circuit computations give rise to skilled learning and cognition. Our platform provides unprecedented access to neural circuit activity across long periods, providing a window into how the brain learns. We train animals to perform new skills, such as motor tasks, and record brain activity throughout the learning process. We even train animals to perform brain-computer interface tasks, where no overt movements are required and only the animal’s “thoughts” are used to complete specific tasks. Our goal is to leverage the natural learning mechanisms of brain circuits to develop high-precision, modular, and efficient interfaces for the human brain.