Theory & Data Analysis Tools

Project Summary A key goal in neuroscience is determining how microcircuit structure predicts circuit function. An intriguing idea, supported by some theoretical models, is that variation in microcircuit composition supports functional specialization. This theory has received support from the observation of a correlation between gradients in circuit properties (receptor expression densities; inhibitory cell types) and in measurements of average intrinsic timescales of recorded activity across cortical areas.

Project Summary The neuroscience community is experiencing a revolution in its ability to share and analyze vast amounts of human brain imaging data, with support from the BRAIN Initiative and other substantial data-sharing efforts.

Project Summary Estimates of the total length of axonal "wiring" in the human brain are on the order of hundreds of thousands of kilometers. Understanding the fundamental principles underlying the connectivity between cells is a daunt- ing task, but it has become increasingly clear that there are canonical connectivity patterns across the layers of the mammalian cortex.

Project Summary Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have emerged as a promising modality for restoring physiological functions such as mobility, communication, and visual perception.

Summary Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging data has been a mainstay of neuroscience research for more than two decades, as it allows rapid, continuous, noninvasive monitoring of neuronal function. However, a substantial portion of the fMRI signal arises from purely physiological cerebral hemodynamic signals in the low and cardiac frequency bands.

ABSTRACT Reproducible findings are essential to scientific advancement. Unfortunately, when fields lack consensus standards for methods, or their implementations, reproducibility tends to be more of an ideal than a reality.

Abstract Noninvasive tools capable of selectively manipulating neural systems in the human brain are needed to advance our neuroscientific understanding of brain function and develop novel non-pharmacologic psychotherapeutics and are a major focus of Brain Initiative funding. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) modulate neural activity based on inducing electric fields in the brain.

Project Summary/Abstract Our project will create a computational resource, the Single Neuron Analyzer, to support the neuroscience community’s efforts to build a reproducible, comprehensive, data-driven atlas of brain cell types.

Project Summary Approximately, 40% of TBI patients discharged from the hospital will develop long-term disability with 70% experiencing chronic cognitive impairments that disrupt vocational, social, and emotional functioning. To foster the reentry of people with severe to moderate traumatic brain injury (smTBI) back into society, as envisioned by the Americans with Disabilities Act, we need to understand the opportunities and challenges posed by cognitive restoration.

PROJECT SUMMARY Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and adaptive DBS systems are currently used in children with dystonia, epilepsy, and Tourette Syndrome, and its use is expanding to other neuropsychiatric conditions. Yet, there is no empirical neuroethics research that focuses on pediatric DBS (pDBS) nor any decision support tools to guide families and clinicians through this difficult decision-making process.