Research

New project on thought-controlled computers

Brain-computer interface experts have been awarded £442,401 by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for a collaborative project with the University of Oxford.

The three-year project aims to develop brain-computer interfaces (BCI) for thought-driven control of computers, robots and other intelligent systems. The Essex team, led by Dr John Gan, has received £261,939 of the total award.

The project, which will run from January 2006, will work on adaptive and asynchronous BCI systems that have the advantages of high information transfer rate and natural operation, as well as adaptive learning for improving accuracy and robustness. Dr Gan explained: ‘This is an exciting and challenging project that would open up a new approach for human beings, particularly people with neuromuscular impairments, to interact with computers and robots.

‘There is scientific evidence showing that brain signals with distinctive patterns will be generated when a human being performs different mental tasks. A BCI system detects these brain signals, extracts the distinctive patterns associated with specific mental activities, and translates them into commands for controlling intelligent machines. I hope this project will make a contribution to create a natural and harmonious environment for the coexistence of human beings and machines in the future.’

Breakthrough in breast cancer research

The findings of a study conducted by Dr Elena Klenova in the Department of Biological Sciences may hold the key to developing new treatments for breast cancer, which have fewer side effects than currently prescribed drugs.

The study, funded by Breast Cancer Campaign, targeted a protein called CTCF, which is found in much higher levels in breast cancer cells than in normal cells.

The scientists have found that high levels of CTCF coincide with the reduced levels of another protein called BAX. Low levels of BAX mean that breast cancer cells show resistance to the normal biological process of cell death and this may be a factor in their uncontrolled growth.

Dr Klenova explained: ‘When reducing levels of CTCF in breast cancer cell lines, we have seen an increase in the levels of BAX and as a result, the breast cancer cells died. Interestingly, healthy cells remain unaffected by this reduction in CTCF.

‘Our research efforts will now focus on finding therapeutic approaches, based on a new understanding of biological processes, to target breast cancer cells.’

The findings have been published in Cancer Research, a leading journal in the field.

Also in the printed November edition of Wyvern:

• Torch-sized devices will detect disease and weapons
• Breakthrough in breast cancer research
• Improving services through understanding people