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Perceiving invisible light through a somatosensory cortical prosthesis

Author

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  • Eric E. Thomson

    (Duke University, Box 3209, 311 Research Drive, Bryan Research, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
    Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute for Neuroscience of Natal (ELS-IINN))

  • Rafael Carra

    (Duke University, Box 3209, 311 Research Drive, Bryan Research, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
    Present address: University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil)

  • Miguel A.L. Nicolelis

    (Duke University, Box 3209, 311 Research Drive, Bryan Research, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
    Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute for Neuroscience of Natal (ELS-IINN)
    Duke University
    Duke University)

Abstract

Sensory neuroprostheses show great potential for alleviating major sensory deficits. It is not known, however, whether such devices can augment the subject’s normal perceptual range. Here we show that adult rats can learn to perceive otherwise invisible infrared light through a neuroprosthesis that couples the output of a head-mounted infrared sensor to their somatosensory cortex (S1) via intracortical microstimulation. Rats readily learn to use this new information source, and generate active exploratory strategies to discriminate among infrared signals in their environment. S1 neurons in these infrared-perceiving rats respond to both whisker deflection and intracortical microstimulation, suggesting that the infrared representation does not displace the original tactile representation. Hence, sensory cortical prostheses, in addition to restoring normal neurological functions, may serve to expand natural perceptual capabilities in mammals.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric E. Thomson & Rafael Carra & Miguel A.L. Nicolelis, 2013. "Perceiving invisible light through a somatosensory cortical prosthesis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-7, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms2497
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2497
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