CIMIT is new to Epilepsy.com and we have been directed here by a few other members. While we may not be patients, one of our main interests is to connect with patients and help. We are a center within Massachusetts General and bridge all of the major Boston resources including BIDMC, MIT, Harvard and any other institution working on the forefront of Neurotechnology. But we want our work in Neurotechnology to impact globally.

We're happy to now be a part of Epilepsy.com and also want to give back by collaborating together. We are holding a two-hour forum on Tuesday of this week (05/06/08) at MGH on the Future of Neurotechnology. It is of course free and welcome to anyone of Epilepsy.com to attend. Click here for more information on where and when.

We also have a podcast with all of the major players of this event, which we hope will give you an idea of the topic. Click here to listen.

We also have a blog where you can view some of our videos and content related to other topics we are trying to work on. For videos of our recent Education series on Neurotechnology in partnership with the McGovern Institute for Brain research please click here

But we know many of you are not from the Boston area so we have another option as well. We would be happy to link anyone in live through a webcast. If you are interested in hearing, seeing and also being able to participate live from a remote location please contact me by email: mwyoung@partners.org by Monday 05/05. You will only need a phone, an internet connection and a regular standard computer. You will NOT need a camera or anything special. And please understand that you will be able to be a part of the meeting, not just a spectator, if you wish and I will fill you in on details if interested. Of course this is free and always welcome!

The forum will be moderated by one of Epilepsy.com's own: Dr. Steven Schachter of BIDMC and Harvard University and also the CIMIT Program leader in Neurotechnology

Part of what will be discussed is:

Towards Model Based Control of Epileptic Seizures - Steven Schiff MD, PhD

There is a long history of electrical stimulation to treat epileptic seizures, but none of it has been able to utilize the effective forms of modern control engineering. This situation is about to change. It is based upon the convergence of increasing understanding of the mechanisms of seizures, computational models that reflect such mechanisms, and the advances in model based control that now permit us to incorporate the features in neuronal models that previously prevented such applications. Such techniques are not restricted to epileptic seizures, but are also applicable to the control of cognitive rhythms, and the modulation of motor system dysfunction as in Parkinsons disease.

The Industry of Neurotechnology - Zack Lynch Executive Director Neruotechnolgy Industry Organization

Will explore trends driving the development of next generation drugs, devices and diagnostics for the brain and nervous system including trends in public and private financing, public policy initiatives and technologies.

We hope this helps anyone on the site and we're happy to be contributing members. We're here to be students of all of you so please let us know what we can do.

Mike Young - CIMIT Education

Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm

LOCATION: Massachusetts General Hospital
Richard B. Simches Research Center, Room 3110
185 Cambridge Street (located in Charles River Plaza next to Whole Foods Market and CVS)
Boston, MA 02114 (map & directions)