Closed-loop brain prosthesis and field-programmable mixed signal array (2009-2011)

The aim of the ReNaChip EU project was to create a chip which could be implanted in a brain replacing one function of the brain in performing a learning task. The chip I designed takes neural signals amplified from electrodes, processes them to detect events, and then implements a model of cerebellar classical conditioning. It does this by means of a field-programmable array of mixed-signal components specialised for neural signal processing and neural modelling. My interest in field-programmable circuitry was enhanced by a brief contract at Edinburgh University on a project to create a related design specialised for neuromorphic applications. The ReNaChip was used to rehabilitate eyeblink conditioning in an anaesthetised rat.

Publications

• "A neuro-inspired model-based closed-loop neuroprosthesis for the substitution of a cerebellar learning function in anesthetized rats", Hogri R, Bamford SA, Taub AH, Magal A, Del Giudice P, Mintz M. Scientific Reports, 2015, vol. 5, pp. 8451. pdf
• "A cerebellar neuroprosthetic system: computational architecture and in vivo experiments", Herreros Alonso I, Giovannucci A, Taub AH, Hogri R, Magal A, Bamford SA, Prueckl R, Verschure PF. Frontiers Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2014, vol. 2, no. 14, doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2014.00014. pdf
• "A VLSI field-programmable mixed-signal array to perform neural signal processing and neural modelling in a prosthetic system", Bamford SA, Hogri R, Giovannucci A, Taub AH, Herreros I, Verschure PFMJ, Mintz M, Del Giudice P. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 2012, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 455-467. pdf correction
• "Behavioral Rehabilitation of the Eye Closure Reflex in Senescent Rats using a Real-Time Biosignal Acquisition System", Prückl R, Taub AH, Hogri R, Magal A, Herreros I, Bamford SA, Ofek Almog R, Shacham Y, Verschure PFMJ, Mintz M, Scharinger J, Silmon A, Guger C, International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC), 2011, pp. 4211-4214. pdf
• "The Application of a Real-Time Rapid-Prototyping Environment for the Behavioral Rehabilitation of a Lost Brain Function in Rats", Prückl R, Grünbacher E, Ortner R, Taub AH, Hogri R, Magal A, Segalis E, Zreik M, Nossenson N, Herreros I, Giovannucci A, Ofek Almog R, Bamford S, Marcus-Kalish M, Shacham Y, Verschure PFMJ, Messer H, Mintz M, Scharinger J, Silmon A, Guger C, IEEE Symposium Series in Computational Intelligence, Cognitive Algorithms, Mind, and Brain (CCMB), 2011, pp. 1-8. pdf
• "Intimate mixing of analogue and digital signals in a field-programmable mixed-signal array with lopsided logic", Bamford SA, Giulioni M, IEEE Biomedical Circuits and Systems Conference (BIOCAS), 2010, pp. 234-237. pdf
• "Recovery of brain function by neuroprostheses: A challenge for neuroscience and technology", Hogri R, Bamford SA, Del Giudice P, Mintz M. In Brain-Computer Interface Research. Springer International Publishing, 2017, pp. 81-97.
• "A VLSI Chip to Implement a Neuroprosthesis for Substitution of a Cerebellar Learning Function", Bamford SA, Hogri R, Magal A, Taub AH, Giovannucci A, Herreros I, Del Giudice P, Mintz M, Society for Neuroscience (SFN) Meeting, 2012. Abstract
• "Closed-loop interface with the olivocerebellar system", Hogri R, Magal A, Konforty D, Segalis E, Bamford SA, Prueckl R, Guger C, Mintz M, Society for Neuroscience (SFN) Meeting, 2012. Abstract
• "Replacing a cerebellar microcircuit with an autonomous neuroprosthetic device", Giovannucci A, Bamford SA, Herreros I, Hogri R, Taub A, Zucca R, Prueckl R, Mintz M, Silmon A, Guger C, Del Giudice P, Verschure PFMJ, Society for Neuroscience (SFN) Meeting, 2010. Abstract
• "A real-time analysis and control system for the reconstitution of cerebellar functionality", Prueckl R, Taub A, Hogri R, Giovannucci A, Herreros I, Bamford SA, Zreik M, Nossenson N, Guger C, Mintz M, Verschure PFMJ, Messer-Yaron H, Silmon A, Society for Neuroscience (SFN) Meeting, 2010. Abstract
• "Replacing a cerebellar microcircuit with an autonomous neuroprosthetic device", Giovannucci A, Bamford S, Hogri R, Taub A, Prueckl R, Guger C, Del Giudice P & Verschure PF, Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum, 2010. Abstract
• "Modern classical conditioning: replacing a learning circuit in the brain", Bamford SA and Del Giudice P, The Neuromorphic Engineer, 23rd Apr 2012, pdf
• "Il chip che fa chiudere gli occhi" (Italian), Focus, Feb 2012, jpg
• "Penso con un chip" (Italian), L'Espresso, 28th Dec 2011, jpg