Using brain-computer interfaces to change brain activity for movement and memory
Interrogating and Perturbing Neural Dynamics
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11297369
This project uses brain-computer interfaces to read and alter brain activity tied to arm movement and memory to help guide new treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11297369 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers train rhesus monkeys to perform memory-guided reaching tasks while recording population-level brain activity in the motor cortex. They use a brain-computer interface (BCI) to both monitor these neural activity patterns and to perturb them in controlled ways. The team maps how memory-related neural dynamics evolve with practice and tests whether changing those dynamics alters movement performance. Insights from these primate experiments are intended to guide future human therapies that restore healthier brain dynamics in people with movement, memory, or psychiatric problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a preclinical project in monkeys and does not enroll people now, but similar future trials would likely seek adults with motor or memory problems such as stroke-related weakness, Parkinson's disease, or memory impairments from neurological injury.
Not a fit: People without motor or memory conditions or whose problems are unrelated to the brain dynamics targeted here are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to restore normal brain activity and improve movement, memory, or mood in people with neurological or psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Related BCIs and neuromodulation approaches have helped restore movement or reduce symptoms in some patients, but using BCIs to directly reconfigure population-level brain dynamics is a newer and largely preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BATISTA, AARON PAUL — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: BATISTA, AARON PAUL
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.