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 7 February in the journal eNeuro, entitled “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.

Continue reading the full UPF news.

Reference work:

"Long-range alpha-synchronisation as control signal for BCI: A feasibility study"
Martín Esparza-Iaizzo, Irene Vigué-Guix, Manuela Ruzzoli, Mireia Torralba and Salvador Soto-Faraco
eNeuro 7 February de 2023, ENEURO.0203-22.2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1523/ENEURO.0203-22.2023