Speaker introduction

Neurons are amazing computational devices capable of both robust response to widely varied inputs and adaptability to changing conditions. For many applications, our most advanced computing systems are humbled by the computational efficiency of the brain. Even small groups of neurons are capable of intricate interactions that produce basic mechanisms of learning and memory, highly parallel processing and exquisite sensing capabilities. Yet disease or injury can undermine the performance of neural circuits. Science is making strides toward uncovering the basic principles underlying the brain's ability to process information, and how disease and injury might compromise performance. These discoveries, coupled with recent advances in sensor, actuator, and microelectronics technology, have motivated the goal that electronic interfaces with the nervous system could one day be applied for restoration of complex physiological functions lost to injury or disease. This talk will summarize the state of research in neural prosthetics and prototype technology to interface with the nervous system, as well as outlining some of the remaining challenges to be solved prior to ultimate translation.