Title: Brain-computer interfaces for basic science

Abstract: Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) translate neural activity into movements of a computer cursor or robotic limb.  BCIs are known for their ability to assist paralyzed patients.  A lesser known, but increasingly important, use of BCIs is their ability to further our basic scientific understanding of brain function.  In particular, BCIs are providing insights into the neural mechanisms underlying sensorimotor control that are currently difficult to obtain using limb movements.  In this talk, I will demonstrate how a BCI can be leveraged to study how the brain learns.  Specifically, I will address why learning some tasks is easier than others, as well as how populations of neurons change their activity in concert during learning.