Summary: Corundum Neuroscience awarded a research grant to Tel Aviv University to develop a machine learning-based method for non-invasive detection of abnormal brain activity in deep brain regions during sleep. Led by professor Yuval Nir, the project aims to identify brain activity linked to dementia using high-density EEG. The goal is to create disease-specific biomarkers for neurodegenerative conditions and improve diagnostics and treatment.
Key Takeaways:
- Grant Awarded: Corundum Neuroscience funds Tel Aviv University’s research on non-invasive detection of brain activity during sleep.
- Innovative Method: The project utilizes machine learning and high-density EEG to identify dementia-related brain activity.
- Long-term Goals: The research aims to develop biomarkers for various neurodegenerative conditions.
Corundum Neuroscience, a neuroscience venture builder and fund, awarded its first research grant to a project with Tel Aviv University to investigate a machine learning-based approach for non-invasive detection of abnormal activity in deep brain regions during sleep.
The project, led by professor Yuval Nir at the faculty of medical and health sciences at Tel Aviv University, aims to develop and validate a capability to identify abnormal brain activity associated with dementia during sleep.
While the presence of paroxysmal discharges has long been associated with brain disorders, ranging from epilepsy to traumatic brain injury and neuropsychiatric conditions, this type of abnormal brain activity often occurs in deep brain regions. In such cases, it has been difficult to measure objectively without requiring invasive measurement tools.
Novel Machine Learning Approach
Nir’s team has developed a novel approach using machine learning to classify subtle signals detected with high-density electroencephalography (EEG) and is initially applying the method to sleep data collected from elderly individuals with cognitive impairment and dementia. Moving forward, the team aims to optimize these methods for use as disease-specific biomarkers for a range of neurodegenerative conditions.
“There is currently no objective tool available with the necessary sensitivity to non-invasively detect and quantify the brain activity signatures we are investigating,” says Nir, principal investigator for the department of physiology and pharmacology, in a release. “Our aim is to combine research on brain activity during sleep with machine learning, laying the groundwork for the measurement of abnormal brain states in dementia during sleep and, ultimately, to validate biomarkers for a wide range of neurological disorders.”
The project’s goals include optimizing and testing detection tools on high-density EEG sleep data of early and late dementia versus healthy aged individuals, in addition to investigating the extent to which sleep paroxysmal discharges can be identified in different stages of neurodegeneration.
Potential Implications for Treatment
In the short term, it may help identify individuals with early-stage dementia who could benefit from anti-epileptic treatments. In the long term, the research opens avenues to improve diagnosis, prognosis, drug titration, and risk-stratification in epilepsy, dementia, and a wide range of neurological and psychiatric conditions.
“We are at a unique time in neuroscience, in which our understanding of the brain from a cellular to a systems level is both contributing to and benefitting from the revolution in AI,” says Josh Schulman, PhD, chief scientist for Corundum Neuroscience, in a release. “This project represents that synthesis and is part of Corundum’s long-term strategy to support research that serves as the basis for innovative approaches to brain health.”
Ramot, Tel-Aviv University’s technology transfer company, is responsible for commercializing the university’s intellectual property. It is supporting this initiative as part of its commitment to translating cutting-edge research into impactful technologies.
“We believe this pioneering research has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders,” says Ronen Kreizman, PhD, CEO of Ramot, in a release. “This collaboration is part of Ramot’s mission to bridge academia and industry, fostering innovations that address critical healthcare challenges.”
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