Training Tissue Through Closed Loop Virtual Embodiment

Biological systems’ most fundamental ability is learning. However, how these systems self-organize towards learned behavior remains unknown. Using cutting edge CMOS electrode arrays, we engineered a closed-loop experimental paradigm that allows for the training of neural tissue culture through virtual embodiment. We used this system to train neural cultures’ bursting behavior, when neurons fire synchronously for a short time, to preferentially burst from specific regions of the culture. This engineered, synthetic experimentation offers unprecedented insights detached from in vivo complexity, and observation throughout training has the potential to unveil general principles of unconventional learning and plasticity. The talk will go over our idea on why synthetic experiments such as these are value tools, how we propose to investigate this in the future, and potential applications.