NeuroTechNZ

Current research

NeuroTech's primarily research focus is on:

Lapses of responsiveness

Brief complete lapses of responsiveness (~0.5-15s) include microsleeps, sustained-attention lapses, and diverted-attention lapses. All of these can be very serious, not only disrupting performance but leading to accidents and, in some cases, multiple fatalities, particularly in transport and military sectors. We are a world leader in lapse research, particularly in terms of behavioural and EEG-based detection and characterization of microsleeps and investigation of the underlying mechanisms of microsleeps in the brain via simultaneous-fMRI+EEG. A major aim is the development of head-mounted multi-modality (EEG, eye-video, head position) devices able to detect - and potentially predict - lapses and provide early 'wake-up' warnings, for implementation in real-world environments.

Swallowing rehabilitation

Swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) is often a serious sequela of several neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury). UC's Department of Communication Disorders Swallowing Rehabilitation Research Laboratory is based in the NZBRI and involves a close collaboration between NeuroTech and ECE on several key projects. These are focused on biofeedback of muscle activity and of bioelectric impedance across the throat for rehabilitation of dysphagia, particularly as an alternative to invasive and uncomfortable manometry (pressure catheter through nose).

Past research

NeuroTech's research largely falls with two Sub-Programmes, of which the following PDFs outlines activity and achievements over the previous years: