ממשקים עצביים

The neural interfaces lab headed by Prof. Izhar Bar-Gad targets the research of bidirectional interaction between computerized systems and the central nervous system. The long-term goal of the lab is to use this interaction to provide a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of neural disorders and to create the electrophysiological basis for the treatment of their symptoms. The research utilizes a comprehensive approach which combines broad usage of animal models for the different diseases, electrophysiological recordings from human subjects undergoing neurosurgery and computational models.

The current focus of the lab is shedding light on the neurophysiology of motor and behavioral disorders associated with basal ganglia malfunction such as Parkinson's disease,  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Tourette Syndrome and the amendment of their symptoms using electrical or magnetic modulation. This goal combines basic and clinical research, which on one hand unravels the information processing pathways of the cortico-basal ganglia loop and on the other hand attempts a direct intervention for improving the severe motor and behavioral disabilities associated with the aforementioned disorders.