Communication and information storage mechanisms in complex dynamical brain networks. Recordings of electrical activity in the brain often cycle repetitively. The aim of this research is to explain how these brain rhythms assist the brain to coordinate simultaneous activity in several regions. Australian socioeconomic benefits include: (i) contributions to the knowledge base of theoretical neuroscience, enhancing Australia's reputation for cutting-edge research; (ii) strengthening of internation ....Communication and information storage mechanisms in complex dynamical brain networks. Recordings of electrical activity in the brain often cycle repetitively. The aim of this research is to explain how these brain rhythms assist the brain to coordinate simultaneous activity in several regions. Australian socioeconomic benefits include: (i) contributions to the knowledge base of theoretical neuroscience, enhancing Australia's reputation for cutting-edge research; (ii) strengthening of international collaborations with Europe and Japan; (iii) outcomes will ultimately impact on improved medical bionics and future interfaces between brain activity and machines or computers; and (iv) commercialization and technology transfer opportunities, via the transfer of results to biologically inspired engineering.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354793
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
A Neural Network: Understanding Brain Function. This proposal focuses on the mechanisms that regulate brain function, particularly those underpinning the changes in circuitry (plasticity) caused by altered inputs. As such, its core goal is to create an interface between researchers in the neurosciences, computational modelling, robotics and cognitive sciences in order to facilitate optimum collaborative interactions, identify key research questions and promote training opportunities across a mul ....A Neural Network: Understanding Brain Function. This proposal focuses on the mechanisms that regulate brain function, particularly those underpinning the changes in circuitry (plasticity) caused by altered inputs. As such, its core goal is to create an interface between researchers in the neurosciences, computational modelling, robotics and cognitive sciences in order to facilitate optimum collaborative interactions, identify key research questions and promote training opportunities across a multidisciplinary spectrum. This will drive an integrated and accelerated program of discovery and technological development, enhancing Australia's leadership in this crucial field and helping to highlight new biotechnology opportunities and capture social and economic benefits for the nation. Read moreRead less
Large-scale Parallelization of Neural Stimulation in a Visual Prosthesis. Over time, engineers have been able to treat a large number of disorders through new technologies. For example, the deaf can now hear again through cochlear implants. Similar efforts to provide vision to the blind, however, have met with difficulties owing to the high quantities of sites that must be stimulated to provide 'useful' vision. This study addresses the important issues relating to the delivery of large quantitie ....Large-scale Parallelization of Neural Stimulation in a Visual Prosthesis. Over time, engineers have been able to treat a large number of disorders through new technologies. For example, the deaf can now hear again through cochlear implants. Similar efforts to provide vision to the blind, however, have met with difficulties owing to the high quantities of sites that must be stimulated to provide 'useful' vision. This study addresses the important issues relating to the delivery of large quantities of electrical stimulations to surviving nerves in the eyes of blind patients in an effort to devise a beneficial visual prosthesis or 'bionic eye'. The outcomes of this study could substantially enhance Australia's already prominent reputation in neurostimulation and provide much needed treatments to vision disorders.Read moreRead less
Dynamics of Locomotion: Visualisation in skill acquisition & rehabilitation. How does visual information and attention determine the control and coordination of locomotion? Using large-screen projection of computer graphics and immersive virtual reality, we will examine the influence of visual information on driver training, gait in the elderly, cardiorespiratory control, and the attentional interference of mobile phones on driving. Experiments will be based on principles from dynamical and comp ....Dynamics of Locomotion: Visualisation in skill acquisition & rehabilitation. How does visual information and attention determine the control and coordination of locomotion? Using large-screen projection of computer graphics and immersive virtual reality, we will examine the influence of visual information on driver training, gait in the elderly, cardiorespiratory control, and the attentional interference of mobile phones on driving. Experiments will be based on principles from dynamical and complex systems theory and will inform the design of innovative algorithms for autonomous mobile robots. Expected outcomes include improved road safety, new methods for the rehabilitation of those with gait disorders, and a deeper understanding of the physiological response to virtual exercise.Read moreRead less
ELEMENTS: A Virtual-Reality Augmented Workspace for Movement Rehabilitation of Traumatic Brain Injury Patients. The broad aim of the project is to design, develop and evaluate an interactive virtual environment (VE) called ELEMENTS that supports movement assessment and rehabilitation for patients recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). We will use current knowledge of the neural basis of movement control and learning to create VEs that will help re-train patients' sense of multimodal space ....ELEMENTS: A Virtual-Reality Augmented Workspace for Movement Rehabilitation of Traumatic Brain Injury Patients. The broad aim of the project is to design, develop and evaluate an interactive virtual environment (VE) called ELEMENTS that supports movement assessment and rehabilitation for patients recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). We will use current knowledge of the neural basis of movement control and learning to create VEs that will help re-train patients' sense of multimodal space, their position within it, and the predictive control of actions. We will adapt our training environments for use on readily available technologies, creating a treatment method amenable to remote delivery. This will extend rehabilitation practices beyond their current constraints.Read moreRead less
Thinking Systems: Navigating Through Real and Conceptual Spaces. The project will provide fundamental insights into physical and conceptual spaces and develop applications in robotics and information systems. The project brings together national and international researchers to study how humans and other animals navigate: how trajectories through space are used to build maps, the neural bases of these mapping processes and how to use maps to achieve goals. The project will develop a new generati ....Thinking Systems: Navigating Through Real and Conceptual Spaces. The project will provide fundamental insights into physical and conceptual spaces and develop applications in robotics and information systems. The project brings together national and international researchers to study how humans and other animals navigate: how trajectories through space are used to build maps, the neural bases of these mapping processes and how to use maps to achieve goals. The project will develop a new generation of robots that can learn about the physical spaces they work in, and create concept-mapping systems that can map and navigate information spaces. Also, it will provide new insights into the mechanisms regulating human cognition and mental dysfunctions.Read moreRead less