MoRPHEUS was divided into working packages related to experimental procedures, technological development, dissemination of findings, and project management.
Initially, researchers conducted a series of complex chronic in vivo experiments with freely moving animals to study how ischemic lesions affect neural function, particularly sleep, revealing that such lesions impair motor function and disrupt sleep architecture and neural coordination. Analytical tools for the investigation of sleep electrophysiological signals were developed and made available to the public. Throughout this phase, the researcher received extensive training in various advanced techniques, including surgical induction of ischemic lesions, signal analysis, and machine learning, while also contributing knowledge through seminars and teaching. The theoretical background developed was published as reviews. These findings support the potential efficacy of neuroprostheses in promoting motor rehabilitation by guiding neuroplasticity.
In the sequence, researchers developed and tested the MoRPHEUS neuroprosthesis, a closed-loop system that delivers complex electrical stimulation based on specific sleep electrographic events, requiring integration with existing electrophysiology setups. The system's design involved creating and testing a custom digital signal processing framework on FPGA technology to detect and respond to neural events in real-time, while initial in vivo tests showed good tolerability of the neuromodulation strategies. The researcher received specialized training in digital circuit design and VHDL design and contributed knowledge to host institutions on advanced neuroengineering techniques.
The researcher participated in a range of training initiatives, including hands-on learning, seminars, and formal courses, which enhanced their interdisciplinary skills in neuroscience, neurology, and engineering, as well as soft and transferable skills. Additionally, they gained practical experience in project management, and grant writing, and attended key events that provided insights into research commercialization, entrepreneurship, and broader scientific and policy issues. MoRPHEUS ideas, methods, and findings were strategically disseminated through conferences, journals, lectures, and social media as the results matured, with a dedicated website created for broader public communication. Much more is expected to be released in the coming months in a gradual manner that is conditioned to issues of intellectual property exploitation.
