Theodore Berger - Toward Replacement Parts for the Brain - Implantable Biomimetic Electronics as Neural Prostheses (epub)

The continuing development of implantable neural prostheses signals a new
era in bioengineering and neuroscience research. This collection of essays outlines
current advances in research on the intracranial implantation of devices that can
communicate with the brain in order to restore sensory, motor, or cognitive
functions. The contributors explore the creation of biologically realistic
mathematical models of brain function, the production of microchips that incorporate
those models, and the integration of microchip and brain function through
neuron-silicon interfaces. Recent developments in understanding the computational
and cognitive properties of the brain and rapid advances in biomedical and computer
engineering both contribute to this cutting-edge research.

The book first examines the development of sensory system prostheses -- cochlear,
retinal, and visual implants -- as the best foundation for considering the extension
of neural prostheses to the central brain region. The book then turns to the
complexity of neural representations, offering, among other approaches to the topic,
one of the few existing theoretical frameworks for modeling the hierarchical
organization of neural systems. Next, it examines the challenges of designing and
controlling the interface between neurons and silicon, considering the necessity for
bidirectional communication and for multiyear duration of the implant. Finally, the
book looks at hardware implementations and explores possible ways to achieve the
complexity of neural function in hardware, including the use of VLSI and photonic
technologies.