Category: Featured Publications
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Hierarchical Active Inference Using Successor Representations
Authors: Prashant Rangarajan, Rajesh P. N. Rao Publication: Neural Computation Date: August 21, 2026 Abstract: Active inference, a neurally inspired model for inferring actions based on the free energy principle (FEP), has been proposed as a unifying framework for understanding perception, action, and learning in the brain. Active inference has previously been used to model…
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Why We Need Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) in Neuroethics
Authors: Michelle T. Pham, Arynn de Leeuw, Ian Burkhart, Eran Klein and Sara Goering Publication: Neuroethics Date: April 8, 2026 Abstract: Empirical scholarship in neuroethics is steadily growing, adding greater context and complexity to conceptual and ethical debates Starke et al. BMC Medical Ethics 25:89, 2024. For example, qualitive studies have been used to understand…
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The Spatiotemporal Structure of Neural Activity in Motor Cortex during Reaching
Authors: Ryan A. Canfield, Tomohiro Ouchi, Hao Fang, Beatrice Macagno, Lydia I. Smith, Leo R. Scholl and Amy L. Orsborn Publication: The Journal of Neuroscience Date: May 20, 2026 Abstract: Intracortical brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) leverage knowledge about neural representations to translate movement-related neural activity into actions. BCI implants have targeted broad cortical regions known to…
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Effects of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation on autonomic function in individuals with subacute spinal cord injury: A pilot clinical trial protocol
Authors: Ryo Nakahara,Sarah Nasson,Ellie Bieler,Emilee Putsche-Young,Benjamin Aguila,Jiayi Shen,Emma Chung,Laura Winston,Stephen Burns,Deborah Crane,Margaret Eugenio,Klaus Krogh,Andrei Krassioukov,Chet Moritz,Soshi Samejima Publication: PLoS One Date: April 20, 2026 Abstract: Spinal cord injury (SCI) at or above the thoracic sixth spinal cord level disrupts descending sympathetic and parasympathetic control, leading to severe autonomic dysfunctions including cardiovascular and pelvic organ function.…
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A large-scale optogenetic neurophysiology platform for improving accessibility in non-human primate behavioral experiments
Authors: Devon J. Griggs, Noah Stanis, Julien Bloch, Jasmine Zhou, Karam Khateeb, Shawn Fisher, Larry Shupe, Felix Schwock, Eberhard E. Fetz, Hesamoddin Jahanian & Azadeh Yazdan-Shahmorad Publication: Nature Communications Date: February, 2026 Abstract: Optogenetics has been a powerful scientific tool for two decades, yet its integration with non-human primate (NHP) electrophysiology has been limited due…
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Study design considerations in clinical trials testing transcutaneous stimulation for spinal cord injury
Authors: Guest, J. and Moritz, C. Publication: Spinal Cord Date: March, 2026 Abstract: The unique challenges of tSCS clinical trials necessitate innovative methodological approaches beyond traditional placebo-controlled designs. Sequential self-controlled designs, biomarker-guided studies, and adaptive trial methodologies offer scientifically sound alternatives that respect participant welfare while generating robust evidence. Future research should pursue dual paths:…
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Multimodal optical imaging and modulation with simultaneous electrophysiology through smart dura in non-human primates.
Authors: Hong, N., Montalvo Vargo, S., Hatanaka, G., Gong, Z., Stanis, N., Zhou, J., Belloir, T., Wang, R.K., Bair, W., Chamanzar, M. and Yazdan-Shahmorad, A. Publication: Adv Sci (Weinh) Date: January, 2026 Abstract: Multimodal neural interfaces that integrate electrical and optical functionalities are promising tools for neuroscientific and clinical applications that involve recording and manipulating…
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Cortical potentials evoked by stimulation of cervical vagus vs. auricular nerve: a comparative, parametric study in nonhuman primates.
Authors: Rembado, I., Ravan, M., Akerman, M., Sanchez, M.M., Bascoc, K.J., Birch, C., Boyd, H., Amoeni, B., Morse, A., Kemp, I., Hur, J.W., Perlmutter, S., Su, D., Sison, C., Fetz, E.E. and Zanos S. Publication: Brain Stimulation Date: March, 2026 Abstract: Stimulation of sensory vagal pathways is typically delivered via invasive, cervical vagus nerve stimulation…
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Customizable artificial simulator for developing, planning, and training personnel on neurophysiology and surgical procedures in non-human primates
Authors: Lydia I. Smith and Amy L. Orsborn Publication: Journal of Neuroscience Methods Date: December, 2025 Abstract: BackgroundNeuroscience researchers often surgically implant hardware into model organisms to measure and manipulate neural activity. Designing and optimizing these procedures in non-human primates often requires sedated or euthanized animals. Artificial tissue technologies can reduce animal use in this process, but existing simulators…
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Temporal basis function models for closed-loop neural stimulation
Authors: Bryan, M.J., Schwock, F., Yazdan-Shahmorad, A. and Rao, R.P.N. Publication: J. Neural Engineering Date: September 16, 2025 Abstract: Objective. Closed-loop neural stimulation provides novel therapies for neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), but it is not yet clear whether artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can tailor closed-loop stimulation to individual patients or identify new…