Abstract: A cochlear implant device includes a deformable and stretchable flexible strip composed of a biological compatible material and positioned about a longitudinal axis so as to form a spiral. The implant device has a plurality of conductive strips with electrode windows formed so as to expose a segment of each conductive strip. A density of the electrode windows is sufficient to monitor a distance of the flexible strip from a non-conductive tissue of a patient in a 360 degree field of view about the longitudinal axis. A method of inserting a cochlear implant includes providing a multi-joint robot comprised of a series of actuator units, guiding the multi-joint robot into an inner ear of a patient, monitoring the position of the multi-joint robot relative to a non-conductive portion of the patient; and applying current to the multi joint robot so as to adjust the position of the actuator units.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inhibiting a tau protein such as h-tau42 or a biologically active fragment, derivative or analog thereof, methods of treating a disease caused by a tau protein such as h-tau42, and methods to identify agents that may inhibit a tau protein such as h-tau42. The methods for identifying an agent effective to inhibit a tau protein may feature administering an agent; and observing either i) a reduction in biological activity of the tau protein or a biologically active fragment, derivative or analog thereof or ii) a reduction in phosphorylation of the tau protein or a biologically active fragment, derivative or analog thereof.

Abstract: A cochlear implant device includes a deformable and stretchable flexible strip composed of a biological compatible material and positioned about a longitudinal axis so as to form a spiral. The implant device has a plurality of conductive strips with electrode windows formed so as to expose a segment of each conductive strip. A density of the electrode windows is sufficient to monitor a distance of the flexible strip from a non-conductive tissue of a patient in a 360 degree field of view about the longitudinal axis. A method of inserting a cochlear implant includes providing a multi-joint robot comprised of a series of actuator units, guiding the multi-joint robot into an inner ear of a patient, monitoring the position of the multi-joint robot relative to a non-conductive portion of the patient; and applying current to the multi joint robot so as to adjust the position of the actuator units.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inhibiting a Cav3 calcium channel in a cell using a C2-C10 alkyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof. This invention further relates to methods of treating a thalamocortical dysrhythmia disorder in a mammal and for treating a neurological disorder in a mammal associated with the thalamocortical dysrhythmia using a C2-C10 alkyl alcohol, a lipophilic molecule with a partition coefficient substantially similar to that of a C2-C10 alkyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.

Abstract: A cochlear implant device includes a deformable and stretchable flexible strip composed of a biological compatible material and positioned about a longitudinal axis so as to form a spiral. The implant device has a plurality of conductive strips with electrode windows formed so as to expose a segment of each conductive strip. A density of the electrode windows is sufficient to monitor a distance of the flexible strip from a non-conductive tissue of a patient in a 360 degree field of view about the longitudinal axis. A method of inserting a cochlear implant includes providing a multi-joint robot comprised of a series of actuator units, guiding the multi-joint robot into an inner ear of a patient, monitoring the position of the multi-joint robot relative to a non-conductive portion of the patient; and applying current to the multi-joint robot so as to adjust the position of the actuator units.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing a brain with a machine. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention employs a vascular approach in which one or more nano-electrodes are deployed in vasculature having a close geometric relationship with proximal innervation. Each nano-electrode is preferably deployed in a blood vessel so that its sensing end is at or near a nerve passing close to or intersecting the blood vessel. The sensing end of each nano-electrode is adapted so as to be carried along in the blood stream so as to position the sensing end at a desired point within the blood vessel. An array of nano-electrodes of varying lengths can be used to monitor multiple nerves or neurons along a blood vessel.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions or formulations containing octanol are provided. The pharmaceutical compositions are useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, including neurological disorders such as thalamocortical dysrhythmia disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conducting polymer nanowires and their use in a brain-machine interface which is secure, robust and minimally invasive. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a vascular-based brain-machine interface comprising conducting polymer nanowires is disclosed.

Abstract: A cochlear implant device includes a deformable and stretchable flexible strip composed of a biological compatible material and positioned about a longitudinal axis so as to form a spiral. The implant device has a plurality of conductive strips with electrode windows formed so as to expose a segment of each conductive strip. A density of the electrode windows is sufficient to monitor a distance of the flexible strip from a non-conductive tissue of a patient in a 360 degree field of view about the longitudinal axis. A method of inserting a cochlear implant includes providing a multi-joint robot comprised of a series of actuator units, guiding the multi-joint robot into an inner ear of a patient, monitoring the position of the multi-joint robot relative to a non-conductive portion of the patient; and applying current to the multi-joint robot so as to adjust the position of the actuator units.

Abstract: An electrode device and a method of installing the electrode device in the vicinity of the brain. The electrode device includes a plurality of electrode assemblies, each with at least one electrode lead, extending from a common base. The base is configured to be positioned on an outside of the patient's cranium with each electrode assembly projecting individually through a hole in the patient's cranium such that the electrode lead is in the vicinity of the brain. The method of installation includes carving a recess out of the patient's cranium and inserting the base therein. Each of the electrode assemblies are placed in their respective holes in order to stimulate, monitor or record neurological activity. The electrode device may be used over long periods of time for chronic treatment or recording.

Abstract: A cochlear implant device includes a deformable and stretchable flexible strip composed of a biological compatible material and positioned about a longitudinal axis so as to form a spiral. The implant device has a plurality of conductive strips with electrode windows formed so as to expose a segment of each conductive strip. A density of the electrode windows is sufficient to monitor a distance of the flexible strip from a non-conductive tissue of a patient in a 360 degree field of view about the longitudinal axis. A method of inserting a cochlear implant includes providing a multi-joint robot comprised of a series of actuator units, guiding the multi-joint robot into an inner ear of a patient, monitoring the position of the multi-joint robot relative to a non-conductive portion of the patient; and applying current to the multi-joint robot so as to adjust the position of the actuator units.

Abstract: A cochlear implant device includes a deformable and stretchable flexible strip composed of a biological compatible material and positioned about a longitudinal axis so as to form a spiral. The implant device has a plurality of conductive strips with electrode windows formed so as to expose a segment of each conductive strip. A density of the electrode windows is sufficient to monitor a distance of the flexible strip from a non-conductive tissue of a patient in a 360 degree field of view about the longitudinal axis. A method of inserting a cochlear implant includes providing a multi-joint robot comprised of a series of actuator units, guiding the multi-joint robot into an inner ear of a patient, monitoring the position of the multi-joint robot relative to a non-conductive portion of the patient; and applying current to the multi-joint robot so as to adjust the position of the actuator units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conducting polymer nanowires and their use in a brain-machine interface which is secure, robust and minimally invasive. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a vascular-based brain-machine interface comprising conducting polymer nanowires is disclosed.

Abstract: The oscillatory dynamics of inferior olive (IO) neurons found in the olivo-cerebellar network of the brain are reproduced and applied to various control applications. An IO neuron model is provided which produces quasi-sinusoidal oscillations with a characteristic amplitude and frequency. Action potentials occur at the peaks of the oscillations and have precise timing properties. Stimuli applied to the IO neuron model show no changes in oscillation amplitude and frequency but do produce a shift of the oscillation phase, and hence a time shift of the corresponding action potentials. The resulting phase is defined by the strength of the stimulus and does not depend on when the stimulus is applied, thus providing a self-referential phase reset (SPR) effect. The oscillations of multiple IO neurons, or their models, coupled together tend to become organized in space and time in the form of oscillatory phase clusters.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inhibiting a Cav3 calcium channel in a cell using a C2-C10 alkyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof. This invention further relates to methods of treating a thalamocortical dysrhythmia disorder in a mammal and for treating a neurological disorder in a mammal associated with the thalamocortical dysrhythmia using a C2-C10 alkyl alcohol, a lipophilic molecule with a partition coefficient substantially similar to that of a C2-C10 alkyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conducting polymer nanowires and their use in a brain-machine interface which is secure, robust and minimally invasive. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a vascular-based brain-machine interface comprising conducting polymer nanowires is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conducting polymer nanowires and their use in a brain-machine interface which is secure, robust and minimally invasive. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a vascular-based brain-machine interface comprising conducting polymer nanowires is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode device and a method of installing the electrode device in the vicinity of the brain. The electrode device includes a plurality of electrode assemblies, each with at least one electrode lead, extending from a common base. The base is configured to be positioned on an outside of the patient's cranium with each electrode assembly projecting individually through a hole in the patient's cranium such that the electrode lead is in the vicinity of the brain. The method of installation includes carving a recess out of the patient's cranium and inserting the base therein. Each of the electrode assemblies are placed in their respective holes in order to stimulate, monitor or record neurological activity. The electrode device may be used over long periods of time for chronic treatment or recording.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inhibiting a Cav3 calcium channel in a cell using a C2-C10 alkyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof. This invention further relates to methods of treating a thalamocortical dysrhythmia disorder in a mammal and for treating a neurological disorder in a mammal associated with the thalamocortical dysrhythmia using a C2-C10 alkyl alcohol, a lipophilic molecule with a partition coefficient substantially similar to that of a C2-C10 alkyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing a brain with a machine. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention employs a vascular approach in which one or more nano-electrodes are deployed in vasculature having a close geometric relationship with proximal innervation. Each nano-electrode is preferably deployed in a blood vessel so that its sensing end is at or near a nerve passing close to or intersecting the blood vessel. The sensing end of each nano-electrode is adapted so as to be carried along in the blood stream so as to position the sensing end at a desired point within the blood vessel. An array of nano-electrodes of varying lengths can be used to monitor multiple nerves or neurons along a blood vessel.