The Katja Poković Research Fund
Research Project Award 2024
Project title: Unveiling the mechanisms of temporal interference stimulation using complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor multi-electrode arrays
Awardees: Dr. Taylor Newton and Ms. Fariba Karimi
Start date: September 1st, 2024
Duration: 24 months
Project summary:
Temporal interference stimulation (TIS) is a promising, non-invasive technique for stimulating deep brain structures. However, the biophysical mechanisms through which TIS influences neural activity remain poorly understood. To address this, the project will make use of recent advancements in high-density (HD) complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) multi-electrode array (MEA) technology to record neural activity at high resolution from engineered neural networks grown directly on the surface of the device. By applying controlled TIS to these cultured networks and analyzing the resulting data with the aid of advanced biophysical modeling, the aim is to identify the critical features of the electromagnetic fields responsible for modulating neural activity, and the detailed mechanism(s) through which the neuromodulation occurs. This research has the potential to significantly enhance the precision and therapeutic efficacy of TIS in the treatment of neurological disorders.
Feasibility Studies 2024
As part of the 2024 Katja Poković Research Project Award, two proposals were selected to be pursued as feasibility studies by Antonino M. Cassarà and Oliver Munz.
Research Project Award 2023
Project title: Development of a computational multiscale model of human male and female anatomy
Awardee: Dr. Bryn Lloyd
Start date: December 1st, 2023
Duration: 24 months
Project summary:
The IT’IS Foundation created and curates the Virtual Population (ViP), which consists of intricately detailed virtual human models designed for dosimetric and biomedical purposes. The latest generation of these models takes 3D anatomical computational simulations to an unparalleled level of precision, featuring over 1000 tissues and organs per model. The resolution spans 0.5 × 0.5 × 0.5 mm³ across the entire body, ensuring exceptional accuracy. There is, however, the need for a hierarchical, compartmental model of the human body that allows the integration of organ-level models into a common coordinate system. Such an advancement will enable multi-scale modeling, where the cell-level model can adapt to tissue-level environmental conditions and vice versa.
The aim of this project is to develop methodologies and computer-aided tools for creating computational multi-scale models of human male and female anatomy based on the existing ViP models. While, over the years, the ViP has become a reference in computational exposure assessments, especially with respect to safety during magnetic resonance imaging measurements, the existing ViP models lack organ-specific details required for accurate modeling in other potential applications, such as neurophysiology modeling. In addition, in silico trial applications where virtual cohorts of hundreds or thousands of anatomical variations (e.g., heart shapes) are simulated require a realistic embedding, i.e., the surrounding tissues and organ structures. Our goal is, therefore, to functionalize the entire ViP by means of non-linear mapping techniques. To achieve this, the project has two specific objectives: (i) to develop techniques to generate a whole-body mapping between subjects, and (ii) to develop methodologies to align detailed organ models to the coordinate system of the whole body.
Questions? Please contact Dr. Marisa Oliveira kpresearchfund@itis.swiss.
