Browse All Terms

The method by which neurons encode and process information. It considers neurons as information-processing channels that take incoming information, integrate it, and produce a signal encoded in the neuronal electrical activity pattern.

The process of interpreting the electrical signals generated by the brain's neurons and translating them into meaningful information.

The level of understanding and awareness of neuroethical issues among developers, clinicians, and users.

A multidisciplinary field for understanding, repairing, replacing, and enhancing neural systems.

The application of neuroscience to ergonomics for optimizing human-computer interaction and performance.

A field of study that addresses the profound ethical, legal, and social implications arising from advances in neuroscience and the application of neurotechnologies.[17] Neuroethics examines critical issues such as the privacy and security of neural data, personal identity and agency when thoughts can be decoded, the potential for cognitive enhancement versus therapy, and ensuring equitable access to these transformative technologies.[15, 18, 19]

A type of biofeedback that provides immediate feedback from a computer-based program that assesses a user's brain activity.

A therapeutic and performance-enhancement technique in which individuals learn to self-regulate their own brain activity by receiving real-time feedback from their neural signals, typically measured with EEG.[83] By presenting a user with a visual or auditory representation of their brainwaves, neurofeedback systems can train them to increase or decrease specific patterns of activity, a method used to improve attention, promote relaxation, and treat conditions like ADHD.[84, 85]

Assurance that the BCI systems and its associated procedures will not cause harm to neurological functions of the user

A method that alters nerve activity by delivering electrical or chemical signals to specific parts of the nervous system.

The brain's inherent ability to reorganize its structure and function in response to experience. This is the fundamental neural mechanism that allows a user to learn to control a BCI.

biomedically engineered device linked to the peripheral or central nervous system to enhance cognitive, motor, or sensory abilities.

The legal and ethical rights related to freedom of thought, personal identity, and the protection of neural data.

A multidisciplinary field consisting of the science and technology of embodied autonomous neural systems.

A method that directly stimulates nerves via electrical impulses. It typically targets pain relief, and nerves are only stimulated, not inhibited.

An umbrella term for any method, system, or electronic device that interfaces with the nervous system to monitor, record, modulate, or otherwise influence neural activity.[4, 5] Neurotechnology encompasses a broad spectrum of tools and applications, ranging from non-invasive research instruments and clinical therapies to direct-to-consumer wellness devices.[6, 7]

A BCI system in which neural activities are recorded using sensors that rest outside the skull (on the scalp), requiring no surgery or implanted devices.

An ethical principle requiring the avoidance of harm to research participants or users.

A filter designed to remove a specific frequency (often line noise, e.g., 50/60 Hz) from EEG data.