With recent additions to its faculty the Center for Biomedical Engineering now has a strong focus on the bioengineering of natural and synthetic neural control systems. Several research laboratories are investigating a wide range of neural systems with emphasis on the integration of sensory information for the control of motor functions. The program places a strong emphasis on computational modelling and the use of advanced signal processing techniques and nonlinear systems analysis. 3-D phase plot of irregular respiration of a rat caused by nonlinear neural feedback from the lungs. Similar mechanisms may lead to apneas in infants.
Current projects focus on control of heart rate, control of breathing, and control of locomotion.
These projects comprise both basic and applied research, with topics ranging from the analysis of fundamental neural mechanisms to the restoration of function using neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Experimental approaches range from intracellular recordings in vitro to behavorial studies in humans. Neural circuit diagram of computational model used to study locomotor control systems and to develop neural network controllers Funding for these projects has been obtained from NIH, The Whitaker Foundation, NASA, NSF, and the American Lung and Heart Associations. Offices and laboratories of the Center for Biomedical Engineering are housed in a dedicated facility, the Wenner Gren Research Laboratory. Additional resources within this facility include the Image Processing Lab, the Signal Processing Computer Lab, and laboratories for research in bioelectromagnetics, biomaterials, pulmonary mechanics, and orthopedic biomechanics.