Reseachers
AMANO, Kaoru
PI, Center for Information and Neural Networks, National
Institute of Information and Communications Technology
Title:
Decoding temporal information in perception using MEG
Summary:
I propose a model to predict the timing of visual or sound
perception using neural responses non-invasively recorded
with magnetoencephalography (MEG). By quantitatively
analyzing the change in the model parameters with the
manipulation of stimuli, I study the neural representation
of temporal information in perception. While establishing
the method to study the neural representation using
decoding technique, I pursue the possibility of
application such as the breaking system based on brain
signals.
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HARUNO, Masahiko
PI, Center for Information and Neural Networks, National
Institute of Information and Communications Technology
Title:
Evolutional reiforcement learning model to explain the
diversity seen in social dynamics
Summary:
This study constructs evolutional reiforcement learning
model to explain the diversity seen in social dynamics.
Taking advantage of its ability to predict individual
differences in division of resources, we aim to design an
fMRI neurofeedback based information system which can
promote cooperation in social interaction by changing
offers reflecting on each person's characteristics and
state of brain activity.
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HOSOYA, Haruo
Researcher, PRESTO, JST
(Department of Dynamic Brain Imaging (DBI), Brain
Information Communication Research Laboratory Group, ATR)
Title:
Modeling visual cortex by a Bayesian network and decoding
cognitive signals from higher visual areas
Summary:
Visual cortex performs complex visual cognitions with its
hierarchically structured system. The present research
aims at constructing a theoretically solid model of visual
cortex based on a Bayesian network, and thereby
reproducing and predicting properties of higher visual
cortex in a systematic way. Moreover, as an application to
brain-machine interfaces, a method will be investigated
for reading out cognitive information on visual objects
from activities of higher visual areas recorded by fMRI.
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KAMIKOUCHI, Azusa
Professor, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University
Title:
Analysis on the neural basis that process acoustic
information in the fruitfly brain.
Summary:
In this project, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster
will be used as the model system to the study of the
neural coding and information processing in the auditory
system. Here, we will (1)construct the fine anatomical map
of higher-order auditory circuit in the fly brain,
(2)elucidate the relationship between sound stimuli and
the activity patterns in the neural circuit, (3)analyze
the behavioral changes evoked by activity manipulation of
each neural circuit, and by doing so, (4)open a new field
in the "Flybrain-machine interface".
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KAWANO, Takeshi
Associate Professor, Departments of Engineering, Toyohashi
University of Technology
Title:
Electrical, chemical, optical micro/nano-scale neuroprobe
arrays
Summary:
The goal of this project is to develop integrated
electrical, chemical, optical micro/nano scale silicon
probe/silicon-dioxide tube arrays with microelectronics,
to contribute the future of neuroscience: low invasive
high spatial resolution probe arrays for brain cortices;
nanoscale probe arrays; microtube array-based local drug
delivery systems and optical neurostimulators.
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MIYATA, Mariko
Chair Professor, Department of Physiology, Tokyo Women's
Medical Univ.
Title:
Morphofunctional remodeling of neronal circuits in the
central nervous system after peripheral nerve injury
Summary:
Neuronal circuits in the central nervous system are
remodeled as a consequence of peripheral nerve injury. To
know how the circuits and synapses are remodeled is one of
the critical issues for understanding the compensatory
potential of the brain after the injury. This in turn can
assist in developing treatment strategies for the
functional recovery. In this study, I will challenge to
visualize the somatosensory information on sensory
afferent fibers onto the thalamus using genetically
manipulated mice, and to reveal the fundamental rules that
govern the morphofunctional remodeling of neuronal
circuits in the central nervous system after peripheral
nerve injury.
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MORIGUCHI, Yusuke
Associate Professor, Department of School Education,
Graduate School of Education, Joetsu University of
Education
Title:
Decoding children's brain to understand their unique
cognitive world
Summary:
Research on developmental psychology suggests that
children perceive some "imaginary" agents that adults
cannot perceive. However, there is no scientific evidence
to support children's reports. This project aims to
establish technique to decode children's brain, and using
the technique, to examine whether children really perceive
the agents. I will apply the technique to infer infants
and children's psychological and physiological states.
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TAMADA, Atsushi
Associate Professor, Center for Transdisciplinary
Research, Niigata University
Title:
Elucidation of structural and functional left-right brain
asymmetry
Summary:
The brain is mostly bilaterally symmetric at the level of
gross morphology, but it is significantly asymmetric in
terms of functions. In human, the left cortical hemisphere
processes language, whereas the right hemisphere is
specialized for spatial cognition. What is the left-right
structural asymmetry at the level of neural circuits? How
does the structural asymmetry generate the functional
asymmetry? In this project, I challenge these issues with
a focus on the rotational neuronal motility driven by
molecular motors. The findings will promote our
understanding of complex mental functions such as
language, cognition, memory and thinking.
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TOKUDA, Takashi
Associate Professor, Graduate School of Materials Science,
Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Title:
Development of opto-electronic neural interface and
neuro-LSI hybrid BMI using LSI microchip technology
Summary:
Based on bio-implantable LSI technology, I develop
multifunctional nural interaface microchip which can
stimulate and observe the neuralcell using both light and
electricity. I will demonstrate feasibility of the
proposed LSI-based neural interface and BMI technology. I
also pursue a new breakthrough to propose and demonstrate
hybrid logic systems that consisting of biological and LSI
systems.
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TSUCHIYA, Naotsugu
Associate Professor, School of Psychology and Psychiatry,
Monash University, Australia
Title:
Revealing functional connectivity between distant brain
areas that support higher cognitive functions through
exploration of simultaneous multi-electrode recordings
Summary:
Higher cognitive functions, such as consciousness and
attention, are supported by transient changes in the
strength of 'functional connectivity' between neuronal
populations. To reveal the mechanisms of the functional
connectivity, neuronal activities have to be recorded
simultaneously from many electrodes at high spatiotemporal
resolution. However, the multi-electrode data are highly
voluminous and complex, very difficult to visualize the
results for intuitive understanding. Overcoming such a
difficulty, I aim to reveal the complex flow of the
information that supports consciousness and attention.
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YAMADA, Makiko
Subleader, Clinical Neuroimaging Team, Molecular
Neuroimaging Program, National Institute of Radiological
Sciences
Title:
Neural mechanism of derealization
Summary:
Derealization is a subjective sense of unreality that is
caused by an alteration in the perception or experience of
the external world. In this project, I aim to uncover the
neural mechanisms that are related to the altered
perception of the outside world, using psychophysics and
brain imaging methods.
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YAO,
Ikuko
Associate Professor, Medical Photonics Research Center,
Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
Title:
Visualization of Neurotransmitter using imaging mass
spectrometory
Summary:
The purpose of this study is to reveal the neural activity
dependent-neurotransmitter dynamics, with a concept of
“clarifying the spatiotemporal regulation of brain
information”. To visualize neurotransmitters, I will use
the technique of “imaging mass spectrometry” and link the
findings to integrated solution. These results of this
study will influence not only the basic research but also
the treatment of many neurologic disorders with abnormal
neurotransmitter release, and novel rehabilitation
approaches.
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