The Lab’s R&D focus is on developing adaptive closed-loop non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques. Our goal is to enable promising neuroscientific theories about the human brain through interventional experiments and to advance interventional brain therapies according to the precision medicine framework. Our main methods include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) with Neuronavigation and Robotic Guidance, Electroencephalography (EEG), Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computational Cognitive/Behavioral Testing and Modeling, and Closed-Loop TMS-EEG.
TMS
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique for sub- or supra-threshold stimulation of brain circuits. TMS uses electromagnetic induction to deliver an electric field to the focal neocortical region with submillisecond temporal and mesoscale spatial resolution. Repetitive TMS (rTMS) protocols can induce LTP or LTD like plastic effects, earning five FDA-cleared clinical indications to date.
EEG
High-density electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive method to record electrical brain activity via electrode arrays on the scalp. EEG has superior temporal resolution capable to characterize the brain dynamics at every time scale. The method is the cornerstone for mapping brain functions, diagnosing neurological conditions, and guiding neuromodulation procedures.
tACS
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive method for sub-threshold brain stimulation using low-intensity electric current applied via scalp electrodes. TACS modulates ongoing neurophysiological processes, known as brain oscillations, in a frequency-specific manner. The method combines superior temporal and functional precision and macroscale spatial characteristics.
Neuronavigated Robotics
Precision brain stimulation requires accurate, six degrees-of-freedom positioning of the intervention medium, like TMS coil, relative to the individual head and neocortical landscale with real-time adjustments for head movements. Colloborative robots (Cobots) and optical infrared neuronavigation enable such functionalities.
MRI
Structural, diffusion tensor, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities provide a radiation-free window into individual human brain functional anatomy at a sub-/millimeter spatial precision. MRI is a promising tool for enriching neurophenotyping research. In combination with finite element analysis (FEA), neuroimaging enables model driven personalized applications of TMS and tACS.
Computational Cognition
Computational cognitive/behavioral tasks can characterize higher-order human brain functions using process-based computational models (such as drift-diffusion or sequential sampling modeling). Furthermore, cognitive/behavioral tasks themselves can serve as an intervention, shaping the ongoing brain dynamics and, thus, synergizing with precision neuromodulation.