Krasnow Institute > Monday Seminars > Abstracts

A Brief History of Neural Interfaces

Joseph J. Pancrazio
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Bioengineering Program Director
Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering
George Mason University

Neural Interfaces are devices which permit communication between computers and other devices with elements of the nervous system. The most common implementation of neural interfaces involves arrays of microelectrodes that record and/or stimulate neural tissue. There is significant interest in neural interfaces as tools to elucidate how the brain encodes/decodes sensory and motor information. A major clinical goal for neural interface research is the development of a sufficiently robust device that can restore function/communication to individuals who suffer from severe neurological impairments. In addition, arrays of microelectrodes enable the measurement of bioelectrical activity from neuronal networks in vitro, providing a basis for biosensor or pharmacological screening applications. This presentation will survey clinical neural stimulation devices, advances from classical microelectrodes microwire arrays and micromachined probes, as well as issues and opportunities related to the next generation of neural interfaces.

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