The brain demonstrates significant plasticity in learning, memory
tasks, and recovery after injury. Many have proposed leveraging this innate plasticity through brain stimulation to treat neurological
disorders. To implement these treatments, advanced engineering tools and a deep understanding of how stimulation-induced plasticity drives large-scale network changes across multiple brain areas are crucial.
In this talk, I will present my lab's efforts to target primate cortex
stimulation to drive cortical plasticity for functional recovery.
We’ve developed large-scale interfaces, combining state-of-the-art
electrophysiology and optogenetics, to simultaneously record and
manipulate activity from approximately 5 cm² of cortex in awake behaving macaques. Using this interface, we’ve shown for the first time the feasibility of inducing targeted changes in sensorimotor networks via optogenetics. Additionally, we’ve incorporated ischemic lesion capabilities into the same interface, enabling us to stimulate the cortex around the injury site and monitor functional recovery through changes in blood flow, neurophysiology, and behavior. We are currently applying these technologies to develop therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders, such as stroke.