DyNeuMo Lab

Group Science

We use brain stimulation to establish the functional role of transient synchrony, and its pathological role in common movement disorders and beyond.

Our everyday actions, from decision making to motor control, involve information exchange through transient neural synchrony across multiple brain regions. A range of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia and dyskinesia could be attributed to dysfunction of this fundamental neural property. To date, the functional and pathological roles of transient neural synchrony remains unknown, a critical link that could be leveraged to identify novel ways of treating a range of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Illustration: two model brain signals drift independently, briefly oscillate in step, then drift apart again. Their phase difference drops to zero while they are in step. In stepRegion ARegion BPhase difference
Transient synchrony, illustrated with model signals. Not recorded data.

Key Research Areas

  • Selective neuromodulation

    Modulating neural activity of interest while sparing other physiological function.

  • Dynamic neuromodulation

    Adjusting neuromodulation according to the current state of the neural system.

  • Mimicking nature

    Learning from spontaneous neural processes how to modulate neural synchrony.

  • Closed-loop stimulation

  • Remote symptom monitoring

  1. Sense

    Record neural activity, for example through deep brain stimulation electrodes that can both sense and stimulate.

  2. Detect

    Track the current state of the neural system, such as a burst of synchrony.

  3. Adapt

    Adjust stimulation to that state, then keep sensing.

Closed-loop stimulation, simplified: adjusting neuromodulation according to the current state of the neural system.

Research Techniques

  • Deep Brain Stimulation (sensing and stimulating)
  • Theoretical Modelling (single unit to population level models)
  • Neuroimaging (EEG, MEG)
  • Non-invasive Stimulation
  • Signal processing
Illustration of a deep brain stimulation system: an electrode in the brain connected by a lead under the skin to a pulse generator in the chest.

Deep Brain Stimulation

We sense and stimulate via deep brain stimulation electrodes

Illustration of a seated person wearing an EEG cap with many electrode wires.

Neuroimaging

We make use of cutting edge neuroimaging techniques

Diagram of a motor circuit linking primary motor cortex, thalamus and cerebellum through the spinal cord to agonist and antagonist arm muscles.

Theoretical Modelling

We develop computational models of different disease circuits

Circular histogram with bars arranged around a 24-hour clock face.

Signal Processing

We develop custom analysis tools to detect long-term trends

Longer-term Perspectives

As our knowledge on neurological and psychiatric disorders increase, we are able to leverage implantable and wearable bioelectronics to deliver adaptable and individually optimised therapies to patients. Our long term research aim is to identify and leverage critical disease mechanisms in order to deliver dynamic therapies using a combination of invasive and non-invasive technologies.

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equal opportunity within our group.