University of Oregon Researchers Develop Iris128 Neural Interface for Advanced Brain Activity Recording
Key Takeaways
- ▸Iris128 neural interface can record from hundreds of neurons simultaneously using 128 recording channels, providing unprecedented detail in brain activity mapping
- ▸The device addresses limitations of expensive commercial neural recording tools by being more cost-effective, adaptable, and accessible for research applications
- ▸Development involved custom printed circuit board design and thin-film electrode manufacturing in specialized cleanroom facilities, demonstrating advances in neuroengineering fabrication techniques
Summary
Researchers at the University of Oregon's Neuroengineering lab, led by Felix Deku, have developed a new neural interface device called Iris128 that can simultaneously record electrical activity from hundreds of neurons. The device features 128 recording channels and represents a significant advancement in brain-computer interface technology, addressing the longstanding challenge of creating precise, accessible, and versatile neural recording tools. The breakthrough was spearheaded by Ph.D. candidate Emma Jacobs in collaboration with Manuel Monge, CEO of OpenIC, and published in the Journal of Neural Engineering.
The Iris128 uses a thin-film array of platinum electrodes placed on the brain's surface to capture neural electrical activity with greater precision than previously available commercial tools. The device's design enables researchers to map neural circuits, understand how different brain regions connect, and observe responses to various stimuli. The development demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration between materials scientists and engineers can overcome technical manufacturing challenges, with key fabrication work performed in the Knight Campus Cleanroom facility.
- The research enables new possibilities for studying neural circuit connectivity, brain responses to stimuli, and potential disease mechanisms
Editorial Opinion
The Iris128 represents a meaningful step forward in democratizing access to high-quality neural recording technology. By enabling researchers to build custom, adaptable neural interfaces rather than relying solely on expensive commercial solutions, this work has the potential to accelerate neuroscience research across institutions of varying budgets. The interdisciplinary approach combining circuit design with neuroscience demonstrates how engineering innovation can remove bottlenecks in scientific discovery.
