Reading, Writing and Rewiring neural networks: high density, multifunctional interfaces in Dynamics, Behavior and Neuropathology

Neural activity unfolds across scales: single neurons generate spikes, local circuits form dynamic network motifs, and large-scale brain systems coordinate rhythms that ultimately shape perception, action, and behavior. Yet linking these levels remains a central challenge in neuroscience and neuroengineering: how do cellular- and network-level dynamics translate into macroscopic behavioral states such as sleep–wake transitions, attention, stress, learning, or pathological states?Recent advances in ultra-high-density electrophysiology, optical readouts, and biosensing are making this question experimentally tractable. Technologies such as high-channel-count microelectrode arrays, CMOS-based platforms, flexible and conformable sensors, and multimodal biosensors enable simultaneous observation of neural signals alongside chemical, metabolic, and physiological markers. Combined with modern analytical pipelines—representation learning, dynamical systems methods, and state-space models—these tools support the discovery of biomarkers: measurable signatures of neural dynamics that are robust, interpretable, and predictive of behavioral or dysfunctional state.This Research Topic brings together work spanning in-vitro networks, ex-vivo preparations, animal models, and human studies, with the goal of identifying, validating, and translating markers that connect fundamental neural mechanisms to dysfunctional or behaviorally relevant states. We welcome submissions on (but not limited to):Ultra-high-density electrophysiology• High-channel-count MEAs, CMOS-MEAs, Neuropixels-like systems, flexible/conformable arrays• Noise/artifact mitigation, stability, packaging, reliability in chronic or long-duration recordings and neurostimulationMultimodal biomarkers• Combined electrophysiology with optical imaging, optogenetics, neurochemical and metabolic sensing, or physiological signals (e.g., EMG, heart rate, respiration)• Biosensors for neurotransmitters, ions, inflammatory markers, or metabolic indicatorsFrom in-vitro dynamics to systems-level readouts• Organoids, assembloids, cultured networks, and slice physiology as models of circuit dynamics• Cross-scale comparisons between in-vitro motifs and in-vivo population activityMachine learning with interpretability and validation• Representation learning, self-supervised approaches, domain adaptation, and uncertainty quantification• Ground-truthing, robustness across subjects/conditions, dataset shift, and reproducibilityTranslation and applications• Biomarkers for disease monitoring, therapy guidance, and closed-loop systems involving neuromodulation to change physiological states• Benchmark datasets, reporting standards, and pathways toward real-world deployment• Sensing modalities that are readily translatable, non-invasive and minimally invasive approaches for neural sensing and neuromodulation Topic editors: Jit Muthuswamy, Micha E. Spira Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85838/reading-writing-and-rewiring-neural-networks-high-density-multifunctional-interfaces-in-dynamics-behavior-and-neuropathology