Just a few decades ago, the possibility of connecting the brain with a computer to convert neural signals into concrete actions would have seemed like something from science fiction.
But in recent years, some scientific advances have been made in this regard, through so-called BCIs (Bran-Computer Interfaces) that establish communication bridges between the human brain and computers.
A recent study by UPF continues to advance in this direction and makes new contributions to pursue this desired neuroscientific milestone.
The results of the study by the UPF Center for Brain and Cognition (CBC) are the subject of an article published on February 7 in the journal eNeuro, titled “Long-range alpha-synchronisation as control signal for BCI: A feasibility study,” jointly written by Martín Esparza-Iaizzo (UPF and University College of London), Salvador Soto-Faraco (UPF and ICREA), Irene Vigué-Guix (UPF), Mireia Torralba Cuello (UPF), and Manuela Ruzzoli (Basque Center on Cognition Brain and Language).
One of the main current challenges in neuroscience is the identification of brain signals which are robust enough to control devices in real time. Neuroscientists have already achieved devices that can be controlled with the mind using only the activity of one or several regions of the brain.
However, it is not yet possible to do so via the communication and synchronization of different regions of the brain. The article published by eNeuro makes significant contributions to advance in achieving this goal.
Brain activity during visuospatial attention tasks
This study is based on the analysis of the brain activity of 10 people during a visuospatial attention task, performing up to 200 measurements per subject, and relies on the concept of crossed laterality: what we see on the right hand side of the visual field is represented in the left hemisphere of the brain and, conversely, what we see on the left is represented in the right hemisphere.
Levels of the brain signal known as the alpha band decrease in the hemisphere in which the images we observe are represented. The researchers compare variations in alpha band levels to the plates on a weighing scale. It is precisely on the side of the scale in which more weight is loaded where their plates descend to a greater extent, while, on the side with less weight, they tend upwards.
The same goes for the levels of the alpha band: it is precisely in the hemisphere on the side where the images are represented that the levels of the alpha band decrease most, while they rise in the opposite hemisphere. It should be borne in mind that the alpha band inhibits the excitability of neurons, so it causes a state of relaxation of neuronal populations. It is therefore not surprising that their level is lower in the hemisphere of the brain that processes images.
It should also be noted that the brain is divided into different regions that communicate by synchronizing its neural fluctuations, for example in the alpha range. Precisely, one of the objectives of the research was to analyze whether the long-range synchronization of the alpha band between brain regions presents lateralized patterns and this has been confirmed by the study authors.
Specifically, if we attend to the right, the communication between the frontal and parietal regions of the left hemisphere increases and, if we attend to the left, the communication between these same regions in the right hemisphere increases.
To date, signals from the alpha band with which the brain’s frontal and parietal regions communicate can only be fully captured through the aggregation of data from different measurements and not through a single trial. Therefore, another of the objectives of the study was precisely to examine how to capture these neural patterns at a single test level, which would allow generating a control signal to activate devices through brain-computer interfaces in real time.
To achieve this, the principal investigator, Martín Esparza-Iaizzo explains that his study makes contributions from the methodological point of view: “The novelty of the study is that, unlike previous studies, it uses measures of synchrony between parietal and frontal areas at the level of each individual trial, not in aggregated data,”
However, he warns that the limitations of current electroencephalographs to achieve this goal have been noted:
“Current encephalography has limitations in terms of spatial resolution, and in terms of noise, due to breathing, heart activity, etc.”
However, the findings of this research provide a good basis for future research. In this sense, Esparza-Iaizzo concludes, “What our study presents is a good methodology to demonstrate that, indeed, for the time being, synchrony cannot be brought into the world of systems with real-time operation. We hope it will serve as a paradigm for future attempts.”
News
AI Surveillance: New Study Exposes Hidden Risks to Your Privacy
A new mathematical model enhances the evaluation of AI identification risks, offering a scalable solution to balance technological benefits with privacy protection. AI tools are increasingly used to track and monitor people both online [...]
Permafrost Thaw: Unleashing Ancient Pathogens and Greenhouse Gases
Permafrost is a fascinating yet alarming natural phenomenon. It refers to ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. Mostly found in polar regions like Siberia, Alaska, and Canada, permafrost plays a [...]
Frequent social media use tied to higher levels of irritability
A survey led by researchers from the Center for Quantitative Health at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School has analyzed the association between self-reported social media use and irritability among US adults. Frequent [...]
Australian oysters’ blood could hold key to fighting drug-resistant superbugs
Protein found in Sydney rock oysters’ haemolymph can kill bacteria and boost some antibiotics’ effectiveness, scientists discover An antimicrobial protein found in the blood of an Australian oyster could help in the fight against [...]
First U.S. H5N1 Death Sparks Urgency: Scientists Warn Bird Flu Is Mutating Faster Than Expected
A human strain of H5N1 bird flu isolated in Texas shows mutations enabling better replication in human cells and causing more severe disease in mice compared to a bovine strain. While the virus isn’t [...]
AI Breakthrough in Nanotechnology Shatters Limits of Precision
At TU Graz, a pioneering research group is leveraging artificial intelligence to drastically enhance the way nanostructures are constructed. They aim to develop a self-learning AI system that can autonomously position molecules with unprecedented precision, potentially [...]
How Missing Sleep Lets Bad Memories Haunt Your Mind
Research reveals that a lack of sleep can hinder the brain’s ability to suppress unwanted memories and intrusive thoughts, emphasizing the importance of restful sleep for mental health. Sleep deprivation has been found to [...]
WHO issues new warning over ‘mystery virus’ and calls for return of COVID restrictions
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for the reinstatement of restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic as cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) continue to surge. While hospitals in China are overwhelmed with positive [...]
A Breath Away From a Cure: How Xenon Gas Could Transform Alzheimer’s Treatment
A breakthrough study highlights Xenon gas as a potential game-changer in treating Alzheimer’s disease, demonstrating its ability to mitigate brain damage and improve cognitive functions in mouse models. A forthcoming clinical trial aims to test its [...]
False Memories Under Fire: Surprising Science Behind What We Really Recall
New research challenges the ease of implanting false memories, highlighting flaws in the influential “Lost in the Mall” study. By reexamining the data from a previous study, researchers found that many supposed false memories [...]
Born Different? Cambridge Scientists Uncover Innate Sex Differences in Brains
Cambridge researchers found that sex differences in brain structure exist from birth, with males having more white matter and females more grey matter, highlighting early neurodiversity. Research from the Autism Research Centre at the University [...]
New study shows risk factors for dementia – virus causes deposits in the brain
Research into the causes of Alzheimer's is not yet complete. Now a new study shows that head trauma can activate herpes viruses and promote the disease. Frankfurt am Main – As a neurodegenerative disease, [...]
Are Machines Truly Thinking? Modern AI Systems Have Finally Achieved Turing’s Vision
Modern AI systems have fulfilled Turing’s vision of machines that learn and converse like humans, but challenges remain. A new paper highlights concerns about energy consumption and societal inequality while calling for more robust [...]
The Surprising Link Between Smell, Sound, and Emotions
New research reveals how smell and hearing interact in the brain to drive social behavior, using mouse maternal instincts as a model. Imagine you’re at a dinner party, but you can’t smell the food [...]
Brain cells age at different rates
As our body ages, not only joints, bones and muscles wear out, but also our nervous system. Nerve cells die, are no longer fully replaced, and the brain shrinks. "Aging is the most important risk factor [...]
Long COVID Breakthrough: Spike Proteins Persist in Brain for Years
Researchers have discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein persists in the brain and skull bone marrow for years after infection, potentially leading to chronic inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers from Helmholtz Munich and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) have [...]