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Inducing γ oscillations and precise spike synchrony by operant conditioning via brain-machine interface.
Ben Engelhard1, Nofar Ozeri, Zvi Israel
1Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. ben.engelhard@mail.huji.ac.il
Neuron
|January 29, 2013
Summary
Monkeys learned to control low-gamma brain waves using a brain-machine interface (BMI), enhancing neuronal synchrony and improving task performance. This demonstrates volitional control over neural activity for potential clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Brain-Machine Interfaces
Background:
- Low-gamma oscillations (30-50 Hz) are linked to neuronal synchrony, cognition, and behavior.
- Abnormal low-gamma activity is observed in various brain disorders, suggesting impaired neural synchronization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between volitional control of low-gamma oscillations, neuronal synchrony, and behavioral outcomes.
- To explore the potential of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) for modulating neural activity and understanding brain function.
Main Methods:
- A brain-machine interface (BMI) was used to train non-human primates to increase low-gamma power in the motor cortex.
- The study monitored neural activity, including local field potential (LFP) oscillations and spiking synchrony, during a cursor control task.
Main Results:
- Monkeys successfully learned to volitionally increase low-gamma power in targeted motor cortex sites.
- This increase in gamma oscillations was associated with enhanced neuronal spiking synchrony and precise spatiotemporal patterns.
- Improved control of the BMI task and reward acquisition were observed.
Conclusions:
- Volitional control of low-gamma oscillations directly influences neuronal synchrony and behavioral performance.
- This research provides a novel approach for studying neural processing and has implications for clinical applications of BMIs.
