Developing smarter brain-machine interfaces that communicate with users
Ghost in the Machine: Melding Brain, Computer and Behavior
This study is exploring new ways for brain-machine devices to talk to you and learn from your thoughts and feelings, with the hope of making treatments for neurological conditions more effective and tailored to your needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10924034 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating advanced brain-machine interfaces that can interact with users by asking questions and learning from their thoughts and feelings. By integrating peripheral sensors with implantable devices, the goal is to enhance the effectiveness of these devices in managing neurological conditions. The approach involves a two-way communication where both the device and the user can teach and learn from each other, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life. This innovative method seeks to personalize therapy based on real-time feedback from the user.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with neurological disorders such as epilepsy who may benefit from implantable devices.
Not a fit: Patients without neurological conditions or those who do not require implantable devices may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for neurological conditions by enabling devices to adapt to individual patient needs.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant investment in brain-computer interfaces, this approach of reciprocal communication between devices and users is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Litt, Brian — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Litt, Brian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.