Advanced Technologies in Wireless Neural Interfaces: From Animal Models to Human Applications

Wireless neural recording and neuromodulation represent a rapidly evolving field within bio-engineering, driven by significant advancements in integrated wireless technology over the past decade. These advancements have led to improvements in power consumption, data rates, data integrity, and reliability, which are crucial for the development of wireless neural interfaces. However, the technical design requirements for closed-loop wireless neural interfaces are more stringent compared to their tethered counterparts. Challenges such as limited signal bandwidth, power consumption, battery and power supply designs, transmitter system weight, noise floor, and enclosure design must be addressed. Recent studies have shown promising results with custom mixed-signal integrated device technologies and open-source ARM core processors, which have significantly reduced power consumption. Despite these advancements, there remains a need for further research to optimize these technologies and address the existing gaps in the field.

This research topic aims to explore and advance the state of wireless neural recording and neuromodulation. Specifically, it seeks to answer critical questions related to the development and optimization of telemetry systems, transmitter/receiver hardware, implantable and wearable technologies, and real-time data streaming capabilities. The goal is to test hypotheses around the efficacy and reliability of these systems in both human and animal models, ultimately contributing to the broader understanding and application of wireless neural interfaces.

To gather further insights in the realm of wireless neural recording and neuromodulation, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Telemetry Systems for In Vivo Recording: Capturing detailed and real-time data from live single units, local fields, EMG, EEG, and electrical/optogenetic stimulation experiments.
- Transmitter/Receiver Hardware and Application Software: Development and synchronization of hardware with application software for behavior and social experiments.
- Implantable and Wearable Technologies: Innovations in device technologies for brain, central, and peripheral nerve anatomical targets in both human and animal models.
- Device Strategies for Humans and Animal Models: Exploring translational technologies and methods applied to diverse models ranging from mice to non-human primates.
- Real-Time Data Streaming Using Full Duplex Radio Technologies: Enhancements in real-time data streaming capabilities for closed-loop neural interfaces. Studies on half duplex and data logger submissions are also encouraged.

We welcome original research articles, review articles, and methods articles relevant to these areas.

Topic editor Craig Patten is employed by Plexon Inc. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.
Topic Coordinator Rebecca Gerth is employed by Spike Neuro LLC.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Wireless Neural Interfaces, Telemetry Systems, Power Consumption, Integrated Device Technologies, In vivo Recording

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.