BIONIC: Distinctly Human Networks in Epilepsy

In this talk, Dr. Taufik Valiante, neurosurgeon and neuroscientist at the University of Toronto, explores what makes human brain networks distinctly human—and how understanding them can transform neuromodulation, epilepsy care, and next‑generation brain–machine interfaces. Starting with the history of place cells and the importance of embodied neuroscience, he highlights how breakthroughs emerged only when scientists allowed animals to behave naturally, emphasizing that human cognition must also be studied in realistic, immersive contexts. Dr. Valiante shares his journey building one of North America's largest intracranial single‑unit programs and how this enabled deep exploration of eye movements, memory, and hippocampal dynamics. His team discovered that every eye movement produces a unique hippocampal signature, revealing a tight link between action, perception, and memory—an example of the “embodied” brain at work. He then introduces “Brains in the Wild,” a pioneering approach where epilepsy patients with implanted electrodes walk freely in VR environments while researchers capture neural activity, movement, gaze, and behavior simultaneously. This allows scientists to infer the hidden dynamical rules—and potentially the equations—that govern human cognition in naturalistic settings. The talk culminates with a groundbreaking first‑in‑human case: a young patient with severe fentanyl addiction implanted with SEEG electrodes to identify neural biomarkers of craving. Valiante’s team discovered a reproducible alpha‑band biomarker distinguishing high‑ and low‑craving states, both in the hospital and at home. This work opens the door to personalized DBS therapies for addiction and other psychiatric disorders, powered by real‑world, embodied neural data. Dr. Valiante closes by previewing future directions—including a new Max Planck Center, translational technology development, and innovative commercial neurotech efforts—while emphasizing the collaborative, multidisciplinary ecosystem needed to advance BIONIC’s mission. 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Taufik Valiante 00:20 The E‑Bike Analogy: Technology That “Smokes” Human Limits 01:17 Opening Reflections & The Meaning‑Driven Approach 02:25 Nobel Prize Story: Place Cells, Grid Cells & Embodiment 03:23 Canadian Contributions to Place‑Cell Discovery 04:00 Embodiment in Neuroscience: Recording Brains in Natural Contexts 05:07 Training in Seattle & Discovering Single‑Unit Recordings in Humans 06:06 Building Toronto’s Epilepsy & Single‑Unit Program 06:52 Rethinking Cognition: From Representations to Dynamical Systems 07:36 Eye Movements, Memory & Hippocampal Timing Signatures 09:32 “Brains in the Wild”: VR + SEEG + Movement + Eye Tracking 14:21 Translating Embodied Neuroscience to Addiction Biomarkers 15:50 Identifying Neural Signatures of Craving in Real‑World Settings 18:49 Future Directions: Max Planck Center, New Tech & Neurotech Commercialization From Mayo Clinic to your inbox (free): https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/newsletters Visit Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org Connect with Mayo Clinic: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayoclinic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayoclinic X: https://x.com/MayoClinic Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mayoclinic