Dr. Robert T. Knight\, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UC B erkeley
Insights into Human Cognition from Direct Brain Recording
The last decade has witnessed an explosio n of research employing recording of electrical activity directly from the human brain. This method provides a powerful window into the neural basis o f behavior and has been applied to a host of human behaviors. The first key finding was that the human brain generates robust neural activity up to 25 0 Hz (high frequency band\; HFB) with exquisite spatial and temporal resolu tion. The second important observation was that this HFB activity is modula ted by slower cortical oscillations with different tasks eliciting unique s patial-temporal activity patterns. This interaction between high and low fr equency oscillations provides an infrastructure for sub-second establishmen t of neural networks in the service of behavior. I will first discuss how i ntracranial recording has provided novel insights into the neural basis of attention\, language\, memory and decision making with these results often challenging prior dogma in the field. I will then review our efforts using HFB activity to decode imagined speech in an effort to develop a brain comp uter interface for treatment of disabling language deficits.
D r. Robert T. Knight studies the contribution of prefrontal cortex to hu man behavior. His research interests include attention and memory\; neurops ychology and physiology\; and cognitive neuroscience. His laboratory uses e lectrophysiological\, fMRI and behavioral techniques to study controls and neurological patients with frontal lobe damage in an effort to understand t he neural mechanisms subserving cognitive processing in humans. The laborat ory also records the electrocorticogram directly from the cortical surface in neurosurgical patients with implanted electrodes to study the electrophy siology of network activity supporting goal-directed behavior in humans. Th e laboratory uses this information to develop brain machine interfaces for motor and language prosthetic devices. More.
[you tube]https://youtu.be/41qXYRS72J4[/youtube]
The annual Quinn Me morial Lecture is made possible by a generous gift to our department from p rominent alumnus\, Dr. Michael J. Quinn (1927-2004). The event showcases le ading-edge research that has theoretical\, as well as practical significanc e\, in the areas of consciousness\, cognition\, and memory. It brings toget her UBC Psychology faculty\, students\, staff\, alumni and friends for an e vening of dialogue.
This year we are thrilled to present Dr. Robert T. Knight\, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UC Berkeley.
This free event is open to the public but registration is required.