A5026103442- Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
- Retinal Development and Disorders
- Neural dynamics and brain function
- Visual perception and processing mechanisms
- EEG and Brain-Computer Interfaces
- 3D Printing in Biomedical Research
- Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques
- Advanced Memory and Neural Computing
- CCD and CMOS Imaging Sensors
- Ultrasound and Hyperthermia Applications
- Tactile and Sensory Interactions
- Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy Techniques
- Ocular and Laser Science Research
- Retinal Diseases and Treatments
- Advanced Electron Microscopy Techniques and Applications
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation Research
- Microbial Inactivation Methods
- Color Science and Applications
- Spaceflight effects on biology
- Photochromic and Fluorescence Chemistry
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Photoacoustic and Ultrasonic Imaging
- Hydrogen's biological and therapeutic effects
- Ultrasound in Clinical Applications
Bar-Ilan University
2015-2024
Alzheimer's Association of Israel
2020
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
2007-2016
Computer-generated holography is an emerging technology for stimulation of neuronal populations with light patterns. A holographic photo-stimulation system may be designed as a powerful research tool or compact neural interface medical device, such optical retinal prosthesis. We present here overview the main design issues including choice field-of-view, resolution, physical size, generation two- and three-dimensional patterns their diffraction efficiency, algorithms computational effort....
Recent studies highlight the importance of temporal domain in visual processing. Critical Flicker-Fusion Frequency (CFF), frequency at which a flickering light is perceived as continuous, widely used for evaluating However, substantial variability psychophysical paradigms, measuring CFF, leads to reported results. Here, we report on comprehensive comparison CFF measurements through three different paradigms: methods limits; method constant stimuli, and staircase method. Our results...
Patterned photo-stimulation offers a promising path towards the effective control of distributed neuronal circuits. Here, we demonstrate feasibility and governing principles spatiotemporally patterned microscopic photo-absorber induced neural-thermal stimulation (PAINTS) based on light absorption by exogenous extracellular photo-absorbers.We projected holographic patterns from green continuous-wave (CW) or an IR femtosecond laser onto photo-absorbing particles dispersed in vicinity cultured...
Aim: Longitudinal tracking of transplanted cells in clinical and experimental setups is crucial for evaluating the efficiency retinal cell replacement therapies. Materials & methods: Gold nanoparticle-labeled photoreceptor precursors were vitreous subretinal space rats longitudinally tracked over a month using optical coherence tomography, computed tomography fluorescence fundus imaging. Results: This multimodal imaging approach enabled high-resolution long-term estimation survival retina...
Neuroprosthetic retinal interfaces depend upon the ability to bypass damaged photoreceptor layer and directly activate populations of ganglion cells (RGCs). To date, preferred approach this task largely relies on electrode array implants. We are currently pursuing two alternative methods for light-based direct activation RGCs. The first method is based applying caged glutamate over retina uncaging it locally obtain RGC excitation. second artificially cause RGCs express Channelrhodopsin II...
Non-invasive fluorescence retinal imaging in small animals is an important requirement for array of translational vision applications. The vivo two-photon the mouse retina may enable long-term investigation structure and function healthy diseased tissue. However, to date, this has only been possible using relatively complex adaptive-optics systems. Here, optical modeling murine eye system used achieve correction-free microscopy through pupil a yield high-quality, optically sectioned fundus...
Integration of information over the CNS is an important neural process that affects our ability to perceive and react environment. The visual system required continuously integrate arriving from two different sources (the eyes) create a coherent percept with high spatiotemporal precision. Although this integration assumed be critical for performance, it can impaired under some pathological or developmental conditions. Here we took advantage unique condition, amblyopia ("lazy eye"), which...
Optogenetic perturbation has become a fundamental tool in controlling activity neurons. Used to control cell cultures, slice preparations, anesthetized and awake behaving animals, optical of cell-type specific enables the interrogation complex systems. A remaining challenge developing tools is ability produce defined light patterns such that power-efficient, precise neuronal populations obtained. Here, we describe system for patterned stimulation generation structured neurons by transmitting...
Abstract Studies have shown that Perceptual Learning (PL) can lead to enhancement of spatial visual functions in amblyopic subjects. Here we aimed determine whether a simple flickering stimulus be utilized PL enhance temporal function performance and will transfer Six adult six normally sighted subjects underwent an evaluation their baseline psychophysics (Visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), (critical fusion frequency (CFF) test), as well static stereopsis test,...
Tissue-integrated micro-electronic devices for neural stimulation hold great potential in restoring the functionality of degenerated organs, specifically, retinal prostheses, which are aimed at vision restoration. The fabrication process 3D polymer-metal with high resolution and a aspect-ratio (AR) is very complex faces many challenges that impair its functionality.Here we describe optimization bio-functionalized high-resolution 1mm circular subretinal implant composed SU-8 polymer...
Abstract The enteric nervous system (ENS) senses microbiota-derived signals and orchestrates mucosal immunity epithelial barrier functions, in health disease. However, mechanistic dissections of intestinal neuro-immune-microbiota communications remain challenging existing research methods limit experimental controllability throughput. Here, we present a novel optogenetics-integrated gut organ culture that enables real-time, whole-tissue stimulation specific ENS lineages, allowing for...
Purpose: : To acquire and characterize cellular-resolved in vivo fluorescence images of optogenetic probes expressed rodent retinal ganglion cells, by adapting a low-cost simple fundus system based on topical endoscope. Methods: A custom endoscope-based was constructed (adapted from the design Paques colleagues). Bright field were acquired head-fixed transgenic mice expressing Channelrhodopsin2-eYFP, Sprague Dawley rats virally transfected with probe GCaMP3. Images compared to vitro same...
Objective. Rational design of next-generation techniques for photo-thermal excitation requires the development tools capable modeling effects spatially- and temporally-dependent temperature distribution on cellular neuronal structures. Approach. We present a new computer simulation tool predicting arbitrary spatiotemporally-structured stimulation 3D, morphologically realistic neurons. The is based interfacing two generic platforms, NEURON MATLAB therefore suited capturing different kinds...
Abstract Novel technologies are constantly under development for vision restoration in blind patients. Many of these emerging based on the projection high intensity light patterns at specific wavelengths, raising need specialized systems. Here we present and characterize a novel system that meets requirements artificial retinal stimulation rats enables recording cortical responses. The is customized miniature Digital Mirror Device (DMD) pattern projection, both visible (525 nm) NIR (915 lens...
Carbon nanomaterials have been introduced as a scaffold for various biological applications due to their unique physical and electrical properties.
Tissue and neural engineering for various regenerative therapies are rapidly growing fields. Of major interest is studying the complex interface between cells 3D structures by scanning electron microscopy with focused ion beam. Notwithstanding its unrivaled resolution, optimal fixation, dehydration, staining protocols of samples while preserving cell in natural form, highly challenging. The aim this work was to compare optimize sample drying procedures order preserve their "life-like state"...
Hemorrhagic shock accounts for 30-40 percent of trauma mortality, as bleeding may sometimes be hard to control. Application short electrical pulses on blood vessels was recently shown elicit robust vasoconstriction and reduction loss following vascular injury. In this study we present a novel approach based endovascular application situations where access the vessel is limited. addition ease access, hypothesize that will result in localized efficient vasoconstriction. Using computer modeling...
Neuroprosthetic retinal interfaces depend upon the ability to bypass damaged photoreceptor layer and directly activate populations of ganglion cells (RGCs). Current approaches this task largely rely on electrode array implants. We are pursuing an alternative, light-based approach towards direct activation RGCs, by artificially causing them express Channelrhodopsin II (ChR2), a light-gated cation channel. In addition being non-contact, optical techniques lend themselves relatively easily...
Objective: In this study, we present a novel approach for inducing vasoconstriction by pulsed electrical treatment delivered via endovascular electrodes, which can be used in cases where external access to the vessel is limited. Methods: Using computer simulations, optimized various geometries of electrodes maximize induced electric field on arterial wall. optimal configuration parameters, investigated both carotid and femoral sheep arteries. Results: Endovascular robust artery sheep,...
Purpose: Photoreceptor precursor cells (PRPs) differentiated from human embryonic stem can serve as a source for cell replacement therapy aimed at vision restoration in patients suffering degenerative diseases of the outer retina, such retinitis pigmentosa and AMD. In this work, we studied electrophysiologic maturation PRPs throughout differentiation process. Methods: Human were into whole-cell recordings performed characterization days 0, 30, 60, 90 along with quantitative PCR analysis to...