Quantitative Neurophysiology
This
area of research is focussed on the
electrophysiology of neurons. Examples of
topics covered at CWRU include membrane
biophysical properties, characterization of
the ionic channels, description of
electrical events associated with channel
opening and closing, mechanisms underlying
information transmission across neuronal
tissue, analysis of the information
processing in dendritic trees. The methods
applied to these topics include patch-clamp
recording of single channel currents, whole
cell as well as micro electrode recordings
in dissociated neurons, and in-vitro brain
slice preparations. These experimental
methods are combined with modeling and
analysis techniques developed in mathematics
and engineering to provide a quantitative
understanding of the electric phenomena in
the neural tissue.
Drs.
Hillel
J. Chiel,
Dominique M. Durand,
David D. Friel,
Stephen V. Jones,
Joseph C. Lamanna,
Benjamin Strowbridge
The goal of computational
neuroscience is to bridge the gap between
experimental observations of neuronal
systems and theoretical models. These models
are implemented on computers from equations
derived theoretically. In this program,
emphasis is placed upon testable models of
experimentally-observed behavior of neuronal
systems. Examples include models of ion
concentration dynamics, channel kinetics,
synaptic transmission, single neuron
computation, oxygen metabolism, and
application of dynamic system theory to
neuronal models and networks.
Drs.
Hillel
J. Chiel,
Dominique M. Durand,
Stephen V.
Jones,
Joseph C. Lamanna,
Kenneth A.
Loparo,
Cameron McIntyre
Neuro-Mechanical Systems
This area of research utilizes
the synergistic interaction of computational
neuroscience and neurobiology to develop an
understanding of how the nervous systems of
insects, animals and humans is designed to
coordinate and control movements. This has
important consequences for the design of
legged locomotion of bio-mimetic
architectures. It is also relevant for the
control of neural prostheses with artificial
neural networks. Modelling of artificial and
biological networks, as well as muscle
properties are combined with experiments to
arrive at engineering designs capable of
producing appropriate motion in animals,
humans and biomimetic robots.
Drs. Hillel
J. Chiel,
Patrick E.
Crago,
Dominique M. Durand,
Kenneth J. Gustafson,
Robert
Kirsch,
Hunter
Peckham,
Roger D.
Quinn, Roy E.
Ritzmann,
Dustin
Tyler
Neural Regeneration
The mechanisms of the growth and
development of the nervous system have not
yet been elucidated. However, enough is
already known to attempt various ways to
engineer materials and devices to facilitate
the growth of neurons for specific
applications such as the regeneration of
peripheral nerve in case of injury or
surgical resection, the regeneration of the
spinal cord tissue for spinal cord injury
and the regeneration of retinal tissue.
Drs.
Ravi V.
Bellamkonda,
Allison Hall
Neural
Interfacing
One of the key elements of the
ability to analyze neural systems and to
enhance or replace neuronal function with
engineered devices is the interface between
the two systems. Currently devices are
limited by the available technology. The
challenge to neural engineers is to develop
electrodes that can selectively record from
and activate only few axons at a time.
The design requires electrodes with
associated electronic circuits to collect
information about the activity of the
nervous system and to stimulate neural
tissue to restore function or sensation. Moreover, the materials used must match the
mechanical properties of the neural tissue
in which they are placed and the potential
damage of the devices must be evaluated.
Innovations are accelerating and intimate
contact between machines and neural tissue
is within reach.
Drs.
Dominique M. Durand,
Hillel J.
Chiel,
Kenneth J. Gustafson,
Robert
Kirsch,
Cameron McIntyre,
Heidi
Martin,
Pedram Mohseni,
Dustin Tyler,
Dawn Taylor,
Darrin Young,
Chris Zorman
Neural Prostheses
Neural prostheses are devices
capable of supplementing or replacing
damaged or lost functions of the nervous
system. These devices rely on the ability to
stimulate the nervous system and record its
activity. Neural prostheses for the
restoration of the hand/arm function and
gait in paralyzed patients are currently
being developed. Also in paralyzed patients,
neural prostheses for the activation of the
bladder, assisted respiration and cough are
also currently being tested. Other neural
prostheses for the obstructive sleep apnea
and epilepsy are undergoing evaluation.
Given the expertise and the large
concentration of scientists and engineers
interested in this field, several other
prostheses will be developed:
Drs.
Dominique M. Durand,
Graham
Creasy,
Robert
Kirsch,
Kenneth J. Gustafson,
Michael W.
Keith.,
J. Thomas
Mortimer,
P. Hunter
Peckham,
Kingman
Strohl,
Ronald
Triolo
Neural Imaging and Molecular Sensing
Recent advances in computer
enhanced video microscopy and the
availability of detection systems that
resolve a variety of cellular and tissue
parameters have led to the development of
powerful tools for the study of neuronal
function. Optical indicators have made it
possible to image a growing list of chemical
species within single cells, their
distribution in various brain regions, and
changes in their spatial concentration
induced by physiological stimuli. Structural
markers permit visualization of cytoskeletal
elements that contribute to neuronal
path-finding during development and
regeneration after injury. Chemical sensors
allow the measurements of concentration of
compounds generated and used by neurons.
Together, these techniques provide new
insights in the analysis of the nervous
system but also provide data for the
development of new tools of measurements.
Dr.
Dominique M. Durand,
David Dean,
Jeffrey L.
Duerk,
David D. Friel,
Miklos
Gratzl,
Benjamin Strowbridge,
David L.Wilson.
Quantitative Systems Neuroscience is aimed
at the study of neuronal assemblies
displaying a high level of integration
between cells. The first goal of
quantitative system neuroscience is to apply
the techniques and methods developed in
basic science and engineering to understand
the behavior of neuronal networks in terms
of the electric and pharmacological
properties of the neurons. A second goal is
to explore approaches to interface computers
with neuronal systems. The neural mechanisms
underlying animal behavior, respiration and
eye movements, and the development of
neuronal prosthetic systems are some of the
areas of activity represented by the
Neuroscience and Engineering Program
faculty.
Drs.
Hillel J.
Chiel,
Patrick E.
Crago,
L. Dell'-Osso,
Dominique M. Durand,
Kenneth J. Gustafson,
Robert
Kirsch,
J. Leigh,
Roy E.
Ritzmann,
Benjamin Strowbridge
,
Dawn
Taylor,
Dustin Tyler
