Project description
A brain–computer interface for the treatment of neurological diseases
Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and dementia are associated with dysfunction of brain networks. The EU-funded SYNCH project proposes the development of a hybrid brain implantable device that offers the possibility to restore connectivity and improve neural information processing. The technology behind this innovative approach integrates an artificial network of electronic neurons on silicon chips into the biological network of neurons in the brain. This is achieved through a neural interface which is implanted in the brain and enables the communication between the biological and artificial neurons. The project is expected to revolutionise the treatment of neurological disorders.
Objective
The brain, with its remarkable computational properties, provides animals with capabilities of physical autonomy, interaction and adaptation that are unmatched by any artificial system. The brain is a complex network that has evolved to optimize processing of real-world inputs by relying on event-based signaling and self-reorganizing connectivity. Spikes (the events) are transmitted between neurons through synapses which undergo continuous ‘birth’-‘death’ and adjustment, reconfiguring brain circuits and adapting processing to ever changing inputs.
The scientific and technological objective of the project is to create a hybrid system where a neural network in the brain of a living animal (BNN) and a silicon neural network of spiking neurons on a chip (SNN) are interconnected by neuromorphic synapses, thus enabling co-evolution of connectivity and co-processing of information of the two networks
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
35122 Padova
Italy