Closing the Loop Around Neural Systems

This Frontiers Research Topic will spotlight advances in the newly emerging field of Closed-Loop Neurophysiology. The basic paradigm involves recording neural activity or behavior and delivering activity-dependent stimulation in real time. Closing the loop around neural systems offers advantages over traditional open-loop neurophysiological approaches by providing the ability to stimulate neural systems contingent on their behavior. Closed loop neurophysiology has been advanced by recent software and hardware developments and by the emergence of novel tools to control neuronal activity with spatial and temporal precision. Real-time stimulation feedback enables a wide range of innovative studies of information processing and plasticity in neuronal networks.

In addition to advancing basic neuroscience, bidirectional neural interfaces provide novel adaptive neuroprosthetic devices that incorporate artificial sensory feedback. Activity-dependent stimulation also promises innovative paradigms for effective treatment of neurological diseases. The special topic will include, but not be restricted to: closed loop electrophysiological experiments from single neurons to neuronal networks, feedback control of neuronal signaling on the cellular & molecular level, the use of optical methods in closed loop paradigms, theoretical modeling in closed loop neuronal control, advancements in hardware or software or materials enhancing electrophysiological recordings for closed loop applications, biologically inspired closed loop robotics control and clinical applications of bidirectional interfaces.