Bsc/Msc topics

Latest update: 22/02/2022

Foreigners interested in doing their bachelor, master study in our lab are welcome to contact us via e-mail

Topic: Investigation of inhibitiory mechanism of infrared neuromodulation in a freely moving mouse model of epilepsy
Supervisor: S. Borbély, Z. Fekete

Our lab has developed a novel toolset to modulate the cortical neural activity using optical stimulation with infrared light. This technology is now being tested in experimental transgenic animals exhibiting epileptic seizure upon modulating the cortex with optogenetic methods. This tutored project aims to reveal the relationship of infrared stimulation parameters with seizure prevalence and length in freely moving mice. The candidate is expected to work with experimental mice and to combine optical stimulation and electrophysiology recordings on a regular basis. The recorded data should be analyzed with statistical methods.

Topic: Investigation of optical properties of flexible electrode mesh for multimodal neuroimaging
Supervisor: Zs. Lantos, Á. Szabó

The student joins in the development of a flexible electrode grid that can be used simultaneously with two-photon microscopy. The two modalities affect each other during the measurements. It is the student’s task to characterize the change in the resolution of two-photon microscope images in the presence of the electrode grid.

Topic: Seizure prevention in a new optogenetic animal model of epilepsy
Supervisor: P. Barthó, Z. Fekete

Recently our lab developed a new mouse model for grand-mal epilepsy, where optogenetic (blue light) stimulation of the pathway projecting from the cortex to the thalamus evokes instant tonic-clonic seizures in otherwise seizure-free animals. This raises the possibility that seizures do not propagate from the epileptic focus via cortico-cortical connections, but through the thalamus that, in turn, disseminates the activity to other cortical areas. In this project we will attempt to halt the seizures by pharmacological or optogenetic inhibition of the thalamus.  

Topic: Mapping of functional neural connections with high-resolution electrophysiology
Supervisor: P. Barthó, Z. Fekete

Multichannel techniques allow the simultaneous recording of hundreds of neurons, making it possible to explore the functional relations among them. Analysis of the extracted spike trains reveals excitatory, inhibitory connections between cells, as well as their participation pattern in various neural oscillations. In this project we use data recorded from mice by Neuropixels silicon probes, classify their cross-correlations, and analyze their connection graph at different brain states.

Topic: Infrared neural stimulation using novel brain-machine interfaces
Supervisor: Á. Horváth, Z. Fekete

It is known from experiments that changes in body temperature affect electrical signals and metabolic processes in the brain. Microsystems implantable into neural tissue are manufactured for exploring these connections. The applicant has to observe the functioning of the integrated thermal sensors and optical actuators in experimental conditions, and has to calibrate them in vitro. Beyond designing and assembling the measuring system the applicant has to fulfil documented functional tests of the implantable microtools. This topic is suitable for a further desired TDK work.

Topic: Multimodal brain-machine interfaces by 3D printing
Supervisor: Á. Horváth, Z. Fekete

Multimodal MEMS implants capable of optical-thermal stimulation and electrophysiological recording have been developed by the Research Group of Implantable Microsystems for freely moving rodent in vivo experiments. The applicant has to design, prepare and test 3D printed interfaces to contribute the bench top tests and also the in vivo applications of the implants.