Effective Jan 1, 2014, Dr. Marom Bikson will serve as Deputy Editor for Technology and Modeling for Brain Stimulation Journal.
Brain Stimulation aims to be the premier journal for publication of original research in the field of neuromodulation. The new position for Technology and Modeling will focus on highlighting innovations in brain stimulation technology, clinical trial design, regulations and standards, and translational modeling.
Thanks for your interest in participating in a paid study!
Please email neuro@ccny.cuny.edu with your name and age and we will get back to you about current opportunities!
Position NE7.1: A full-time post-doctoral position in brain slice neurophysiology is available in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The City College of New York of The City University of New York. The position involves studies focused on the cellular mechanisms of non-invasive neuromodulation, such as transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Despite being the fastest growing and most promising new therapy for neuropsychiatric disorders, rehabilitation, and neuro-enhancement (healthy individuals), fundamental questions remain about the mechanisms of tDCS. The applicant will have the opportunity to work with leaders in characterizing the cellular effects of stimulation using brain slice studies and modeling, and moreover to interact with a broad range of engineers and clinicians with the goals of translating insights to new technologies and applications. Further information on the Neural Engineering Group at CCNY can be found here http://neuralengr.org.
We are seeking candidates that are highly creative, motivated, and independent with a Ph.D. in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or a related field. Candidates must have a strong research background in brain slice electrophysiology, with a record of relevant publications. Experience with patch-clamp and/or calcium imaging in brain slice is required.
Candidates will be encouraged and expected to participate in independent laboratory research, and will be expected to write scholarly manuscripts. Candidates must be able to lead and work well in a team. Candidates must have excellent spoken and written English skills. Opportunities for career development (e.g. grant writing, mentoring, teaching) are strongly supported.
Applicants should submit a brief statement of research activities and interests (one paragraph), a current CV, and names and contact information of references. With a two-year contract, salary will be commensurate with experience and accomplishments as part of an overall research effort supported by the DoD, NIH, and NSF. To arrange a meeting with the PI and to send materials required for consideration for this appointment please contact Dr. Marom Bikson at: bikson@ccny.cuny.edu
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Position NE7.2: A full time Biomedical Electronics Design Engineer at the staff engineer or post-doctoral level
Job Description: Excellent opportunity in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The City College of New York for an Electronics Design Engineer experienced in digital and analog circuits. The Electronics Design Engineer will primarily design new medical instrumentation focused on non-invasive optical sensing. This opportunity will allow you to contribute in all aspects of medical device design and development aimed at developing new therapies including new medical devices used in cancer treatment surgery. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to interact with world-class physicians and surgeons and benefit from direct mentorship by clinicians. This is an opportunity where you will need to apply your engineering skills in a dynamic and challenging environment with the goal of improving cancer treatment with next generation medical technologies.
Job Duties:
Develop technical design inputs in concert with clinical users and development team
Lead all research and development efforts in electronic improvements and next generation devices
Guide and oversee mechanical design efforts of all projects
Develop engineering test protocols for device verification
Maintain excellent documentation of all progress on projects and test reports
Lead engineering development team to meet timelines and ensure quality deliverables
Skills/Qualifications:
BS or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering (with electrical engineering specialization).
PhD with emphasis on instrumentation and/or 4 year work experience in electronics design is required.
Experience with biomedical device design and optics/medical optics, are ideal but not required.
Extensive experience with MCU programming, electric circuit design, and electronics a must. Applicants must be highly motivated, self starters with excellent written and oral communication skills. Applicants should exhibit high level leadership qualities and have the capacity to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Experience with grant writing is a plus.
This is a unique opportunity to work with a highly translational project where your engineering skills will have an immediate impact. This position is through an academic institution but entrepreneurship opportunities are available for capable and motivated candidates. Opportunities for publication and academic career development are also available for interested candidates. Send resumes to Marom Bikson bikson@ccny.cuny.edu
(Left to right): Marom Bikson, Ole Seibt, Dennis Truong, Belen Lafon, Robin Azzam, Peter Toshev
Fall 2013 Seminar Series Department of Biomedical Engineering
Wednesday, December 18 @ 3 PM in Steinman Hall ST-402
Human Thalamocortical Dynamics: From Mechanisms to Meaning Via Computational Neural Modeling
Stephanie R. Jones, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Professor Department of Neuroscience Brown University
Low frequency neocortical rhythms are among the most prominent activity measured in human brain imaging signals such as electro- and magneto- encephalography (EEG/MEG). Elucidating the role that these dynamics play in perception, cognition and action is a key challenge of modern neuroscience. We have recently combined human brain imaging and computational neural modeling to explore the functional relevance and mechanistic underpinnings of rhythms in primary somatosensory cortex, containing Alpha (7-14Hz) and Beta (15-29Hz) components. In this talk, I will review our findings showing this rhythm impacts tactile detection, changes with healthy aging and practice, and is modulated with attention. Constrained by the human imaging data, our biophysically principled computational modeling work has led to a novel prediction on the origin of this rhythm predicting that it emerges from the combination of two stochastic ~10 Hz thalamic drives to the granular/infragranular and supragranular cortical layers. Relative Alpha/Beta expression depends on the strength and delay between the thalamic drives. This model is able to accurately reproduce numerous key features of the human rhythm and proposes a specific mechanistic link between the Beta component of the rhythm and sensory perception. Further, initial electrophysiological recordings in rodents support out hypotheses and suggest a role for pallidal thalamus in coordinating Beta rhythmicity, with relevance to understanding disrupted Beta in Parkinson’s Disease.
Wednesday, December 18 @ 3 PM in Steinman ST-402
Title: Empowering Implantable Devices
Prof. N. Sertac Artan, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of New York University
Date: Monday, December 16 Location: T-623, Conference Room (Electrical Engineering), Steinman Hall – Time: 1:00 PM
From pacemakers to responsive neurostimulators, implantable devices offer vital treatment options. As new therapies are developed, the need for more capable implantable devices, running sophisticated algorithms in real-time, and generating large amounts of data traffic, grows. The severe power and space constraints impose significant challenges to the development of such devices, which should avoid tissue heating, frequent surgery for battery replacement, or high bandwidth requirements. These constraints lead to trade-offs in monitoring and treatment options. As complex engineering systems, the medical implants often require the interaction between various subsystems. An algorithm for extracting necessary information dictates the minimum requirements for the sensors and signal processing path to ensure the quality and integrity of the acquired physiological signals, as well as the bandwidth requirements of an optional telemetry subsystem. In return, the capabilities of the sensors and the signal processing path along with the tight power and space requirements dictate the features and limit the accuracy of these algorithms. Independent optimization of these subsystems neglecting their intricate interactions usually prevents these systems to fulfill their full potential. My research goal is to design next generation safe and highly-capable implantable devices focusing on cross subsystem optimization spanning from circuits and algorithms to networking based on characteristics of the specific target application. Currently, I am working on developing implantable devices for epilepsy in particular and for neurological diseases in general. In this talk, I will give some examples of our recent work on low-power VLSI circuits and epileptic seizure monitoring algorithms for embedded systems targeting implantable applications.
We are honored to be on the cover of the very special issue of Neuroimage focused on “Neuro-enhancement.”
The introduction by editors Vince Clark and Raja Parasuraman is here
Our paper in this issue on fMRI imaging of tDCS effects post-mortem is here: Antal_Bikson_2013
“Too good to be true? tDCS applications in cognitive performance, neurology, and psychiatry.”
Friday Dec 13, 2013, 1:30-2:30pm, NIL Conference Room #2311, East Building (4525 Scott Avenue)
“Presenting the second lecture in a series of three on the topic of trans-cranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), organized by Dr. Jeffrey Zacks, and funded by the McDonnell CSN. Guest Lecturer, Marom Bikson, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The City College of New York of CUNY. Prof. Bikson graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering (EE Concentration), received his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, and completed his Post-Doctoral research in the Neurophysiology Unit at the University of Birmingham Medical School. Professor Bikson’s research group studies the effects of electricity on the human body and applies this knowledge toward the development of medical devices and electrical safety guidelines.”
ANCP 52nd Annual Meeting (Hollywood Florida)
Integrative Track – Panel Session 4: At the Crossroads of Physics, Physiology, and Psychiatry: Rational Design of Noninvasive Neuromodulation Therapies
12/10/2013 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM Room: Atlantic Ballroom 2
Sarah Lisanby, M.D. Duke University Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
Zafiris J. Daskalakis, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto
Marom Bikson, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York, New York
Angel V. Peterchev, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University
Flavio Frohlich, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Bruce Luber, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
A rational approach to dosing is crucial to the clinical optimization of approved (TMS, dTMS) and investigational (tDCS, tACS, novel forms of ECT/MST) noninvasive neuromodulation therapies. Brain stimulation ‘dose’ is multifactorial, encompassing spatial components of the stimulus field distribution in the brain, and temporal components of the pulse waveform and train dynamics. The development of novel flexible stimulation devices has increased the complexity of optimizing dosage. This panel will show how computational modeling, physiology, and in vivo preparations can be applied to systematically study the parameter space and derive basic dose/response relationships. Results point to rational approaches for dose individualization using noninvasive biomarkers, modeling, and/or structural and functional imaging . Dr. Bikson will present methods to focus tDCS using electrode arrays (High-Definition tDCS) and by integrating tDCS with cognitive therapy. Dr. Peterchev will address how recent device and modeling developments enable optimization of the stimulus dose, and how to rationally individualize dose, using examples from modeling and preclinical studies. Dr. Frohlich will show how the integration of electrophysiological and computational approaches can address the fundamental question of how brain stimulation affects the dynamics of large-scale neuronal networks. In particular, he will show how resonance enables the targeted enhancement of cortical oscillations that mediate cognitive function. Dr. Luber will introduce the concept of covariance-modeled fMRI to individualize TMS coil placement, including a series of studies employing this personalized approach to enhance working memory. Dr. Daskalakis will discuss the relevance of these approaches to the clinical application of noninvasive neuromodulation therapies, and remaining questions to advance this burgeoning field.
Simpleware provides world-leading software solutions for the conversion of 3D images (as obtained from MRI, CT, Micro-CT for example) into high quality Finite Element, CAD and Rapid Prototyping models. The Neural Engineering Lab has pioneered the process of resolution modeling of TDCS and Simpleware features this here
The causal role of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in human episodic memory
Marco Sandrini, NINDS-NIH
Episodic memory is a neurocognitive (brain/mind) system that enables human beings to remember past experiences. Previous neuroimaging studies have shown the involvement of dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC) in this type of memory. In this talk, I will provide Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation evidence that this brain region plays a causal role in episodic memory. In a series of studies I will show findings showing the contribution of left DLPFC to encoding and of right DLPC to retrieval. Finally I will show a recent study about reconsolidation, showing that right DLPFC plays a critical role in strengthening of episodic memory. I will conclude indicating future studies in this research field and the possibility to use reconsolidation as an new opportunity to modify existing episodic memories, an issue of critical clinical impact.
Time / Location
Dec. 4, 12:15 P.M., MR/801
Peter Toshev (NYCneuromodulation director) and Marom Bikson (conference chair). Many more details coming soon at http://nycneuromodulation.com/
ElMindA & Soterix (Collaboration) one of ten international finalists!
About one third of the world’s population suffers from acute or chronic pain with the effects of pain exact a tremendous cost on health systems and impose emotional and financial burden on patients. Diagnostic and clinical management of pain still heavily rely on clinical symptoms and patient’s subjective reporting while the common treatment for pain is not based on personally customized pain relief. This project (based on a multi-national collaboration including CCNY, Soterix, Elminda, and Harvard Medical) aims to develop a closed loop pain treatment platform, with the goal of offering a focused, specific and personalized approach for the effective treatment of pain.
Marom Bikson (CCNY) and Ronen Gadot (Elminda)
This week we have two neural engineering talks at CCNY:
Elissa Aminoff, Carnegie Mellon University
Tuesday Oct 22, Talk at 1pm-2PM, NAC 6/141 “Intrinsic associative processing in scene perception”
Dennis Sparta, Ph.D., Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Wednesday Oct 23, Talk at 3pm-4pm, Steinman 402. “Dissecting the Neural Circuits that Mediate Motivated Behavior.”
S.K. Kessler, A.J. Woods, P. Minhas, A.R. Rosen, C. Gorman, M. Bikson. Dosage considerations for transcranial direct current stimulation in children: a computational modeling study. PLoS ONE 8(9): e76112. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0076112
Free online access here
Abstract:
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is being widely investigated in adults as a therapeutic modality for brain disorders involving abnormal cortical excitability or disordered network activity. Interest is also growing in studying tDCS in children. Limited empirical studies in children suggest that tDCS is well tolerated and may have a similar safety profile as in adults. However, in electrotherapy as in pharmacotherapy, dose selection in children requires special attention, and simple extrapolation from adult studies may be inadequate. Critical aspects of dose adjustment include 1) differences in neurophysiology and disease, and 2) variation in brain electric fields for a specified dose due to gross anatomical differences between children and adults. In this study, we used high-resolution MRI derived finite element modeling simulations of two healthy children, ages 8 years and 12 years, and three healthy adults with varying head size to compare differences in electric field intensity and distribution. Multiple conventional and high-definition tDCS montages were tested. Our results suggest that on average, children will be exposed to higher peak electrical fields for a given applied current intensity than adults, but there is likely to be overlap between adults with smaller head size and children. In addition, exposure is montage specific. Variations in peak electrical fields were seen between the two pediatric models, despite comparable head size, suggesting that the relationship between neuroanatomic factors and bioavailable current dose is not trivial. In conclusion, caution is advised in using higher tDCS doses in children until 1) further modeling studies in a larger group shed light on the range of exposure possible by applied dose and age and 2) further studies correlate bioavailable dose estimates from modeling studies with empirically tested physiologic effects, such as modulation of motor evoked potentials after stimulation.
Three papers published in Frontiers of Neuroscience by CCNY Neural Engineering addressing current issues, idea, and challenges in non-invasive brain stimulation:
Berker AO, Bikson M, Bestmann S. Predicting the behavioural impact of transcranial direct current stimulation: issues and limitations Frontiers of Human Neuroscience 2013; doi 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00613 Journal Link
Rahman A, Bikson M. Origins of specificity during tDCS: anatomical, activity-selective, and input-bias mechanisms Frontiers of Human Neuroscience 2013; doi 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00688 Journal Link
Reato D, Rahman A, Bikson M, Parra LC. Effects of weak transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation on brain activity – a review of known mechanisms from animal studies. Frontiers of Human Neuroscience 2013; doi 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00687 Journal Link PDF: Bikson_tACSreview
Prof. Marom Bikson was among scientists recognized at the 2013 Biomedical Engineering Society Meeting for the Wallace H Coulter foundation Translational Award. Dr. Bikson was supported by the Coulter Foundation to develop High-Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation which was commercialized by Soterix Medical Inc.
Nature. 2013 Sep 12;501(7466):167. doi: 10.1038/501167b.
Neuroscience: Transcranial devices are not playthings.
Bikson M, Bestmann S, Edwards D.
Comment on: Brain blast. [Nature. 2013]
Read full text here: Transcranial devices are not playthings_Nature 2013
Journal of Neuroscience Methods 219 (2013) p297-311
Classification of methods in transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) and evolving strategy from historical approaches to contemporary innovations
Berkan Guleyupoglu, Pedro Schestatsky, Dylan Edwards, Felipe Fregni, Marom Bikson
Full text: JNeuroscienceMethods_TEShistory_2013
Abstract: Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) encompasses all methods of non-invasive current application to the brain used in research and clinical practice. We present the first comprehensive and techni- cal review, explaining the evolution of tES in both terminology and dosage over the past 100 years of research to present day. Current transcranial Pulsed Current Stimulation (tPCS) approaches such as Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) descended from Electrosleep (ES) through Cranial Electro-stimulation Therapy (CET), Transcerebral Electrotherapy (TCET), and NeuroElectric Therapy (NET) while others like Transcutaneous Cranial Electrical Stimulation (TCES) descended from Electroanesthesia (EA) through Limoge, and Interferential Stimulation. Prior to a contemporary resurgence in interest, variations of trans- cranial Direct Current Stimulation were explored intermittently, including Polarizing current, Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS), and Transcranial Micropolarization. The development of these approaches alongside Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and pharmacological developments are considered. Both the roots and unique features of contemporary approaches such as transcranial Alternating Current Stimu- lation (tACS) and transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (tRNS) are discussed. Trends and incremental developments in electrode montage and waveform spanning decades are presented leading to the present day. Commercial devices, seminal conferences, and regulatory decisions are noted. We conclude with six rules on how increasing medical and technological sophistication may now be leveraged for broader success and adoption of tES.
NYC Neuromodulation 2013 brings together pioneers and emerging innovations in Transcranial Electrical Stimulation. Cutting edge research, clinical trials, and techniques are introduced in a dynamic and interactive format. Learn how the field developed to its current state and the outlook for the next five years. Technologies covered include transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS), transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (tRNCS), and High-Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS). Topics covered include design of clinical trials, integration with monitoring technologies (EEG), and deployable technology. Broad opportunities to network, sponsor exhibits, two large poster sessions, two panel discussions, social event and a certification course provide plenty of networking and educational opportunities. The conference is chaired by Dr. Marom Bikson and hosted at the historic City College of New York in New York City.
More info here. Conference WILL sell out to reserve your space ASAP LINK