Functional and Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory

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About the Lab

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The Functional and Cognitive Neurophysiology laboratory, led by Dr. Sameer Sheth, focuses on the study of human decision-making and cognition, as well as on the development of novel therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders. To accomplish these goals, we take a two-fold approach.

  • First, we work with neurosurgical patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS), epilepsy monitoring, and other procedures that require the placement of intracranial electrodes. We use single-neuron and field potential recordings as well as stimulation to understand the circuitry underlying complex cognitive functions such as controlled decision-making, memory formation, and emotional regulation.
  • Second, we develop and refine neuromodulatory treatments for refractory neurological and psychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and many others. These disorders often arise from dysfunction in the same circuits mentioned above.

Thus the two efforts advance synergistically, with a constant back-and-forth flow of ideas. Because of the multi-disciplinary nature of this work, the lab interacts closely with many other disciplines, including Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Neurology, Computer Science, Engineering, Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence and others.

Research Projects

  • Developing Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Investigating DBS for Treatment-Resistant Depression
  • Investigating the Neural Mechanisms Underlying Ad-Hoc Self-Programmability
  • Investigating the Physiology of Controlled Decision-Making in Human Prefrontal Cortex 
  • Investigating Cortical and Basal Ganglia Networks Involved in Disorders of Mental Health 
  • Developing Novel Targets and Indications for Neuromodulation
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Cain Laboratories

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Dr. Sheth is the Director of The Gordon and Mary Cain Pediatric Neurology Research Foundation Laboratories within the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI) at Texas Children’s Hospital.

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Lab Team

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View a listing of the Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab team members along with links to their bios. 

Meet Our Team
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Ask Me About My Research

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Sameer Sheth, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor and vice-chair of clinical research in the department neurosurgery is joined by a special guest to demonstrate the importance of scientists and researchers talking with others about their work.

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Publications

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Our research projects and studies result in publications in PubMed and other scientific journals.

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Lab News

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Don’t miss the latest news and events from the Functional and Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory.

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Functional and Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory
BCM-Smith Medical Research Building
Room: BCMS-S104
Houston, TX 77030 
sasheth@bcm.edu