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Bidirectional brain-computer interface with closed-loop mind-body interactions

Award Number: R01AT013779
ORGANIZATION: CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH, NIH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2031

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Bidirectional brain-computer interface with closed-loop mind-body interactions - Project Summary Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) enable direct communication between the brain and the external world. We propose to establish and investigate the mechanisms of a novel, noninvasive bidirectional BCI (bi-BCI) platform. This system combines electroencephalography (EEG)-based neural decoding (“reading” brain activity) with closed-loop, low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) neuromodulation (“writing” to the brain). This dual approach enables real-time measurement of behavior via BCI decoding and adaptive modulation of neural circuits. By integrating noninvasive neural decoding with precision neuromodulation, the proposed bi-BCI offers a transformative platform for mechanistic studies of mind–body interventions—revealing how specific brain activity patterns relate to behavior and how targeted modulation can shift these patterns to achieve desired outcomes. To realize this vision, we propose two Specific Aims unified under a central theme: to develop and investigate a bi-BCI framework that engages both the “mind” (intention and cognition) and “body” (physiological processes) for two key applications—communication prostheses (Aim 1) and motor prostheses (Aim 2). This foundational work will catalyze a new class of mind–body interventions. Aim 1: Establish a tFUS-integrated motion-onset visual evoked potential BCI speller for communication and investigate neural mechanisms of cognitive attention during mind–body interactions. We will enhance feature-based attention mechanisms by combining motion-onset visual stimulation with targeted neuromodulation of visual area V5. This approach will yield a novel bi-BCI with significantly improved accuracy and information throughput. Aim 2: Establish and investigate a tFUS-modulated sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) bi-BCI using motor imagery for motor control. We will test the hypothesis that tFUS modulates the dynamics of event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD/ERS), thereby enhancing motor imagery-based BCI control of an external object. Successful completion of this research will significantly enhance BCI performance and yield critical insights into the neural mechanisms underlying mind–body interventions made possible by neuromodulation-enhanced, closed-loop bi-BCIs.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $616,764 )
2026	2026	CARNEGIE-MELLON UNIVERSITY	5000 FORBES AVE	PITTSBURGH	PA	15213	ALLEGHENY	USA	Research and Training in Complementary and Integrative Health	000	1	9/3/2026	NEW	$616,764
														Subtotal = $616,764

Grand Total All Awards = $616,764

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Bidirectional brain-computer interface with closed-loop mind-body interactions

Award Number: R01AT013779

ORGANIZATION: CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH, NIH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2031

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