CAN Lab, Digital University Kerala

Computational Neuroscience Research

Computational neuroscience employs mathematical and computational tools to study the brain and nervous system across all scales, from individual neurons to large-scale networks. Given that Central Nervous System (CNS) neurons are implicated in a broad spectrum of neurological, psychiatric, and neuropsychiatric disorders—including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and addiction—computer-based research offers valuable insights into their normal and abnormal function, potentially leading to improved treatments. The CAN Lab utilizes computational models and simulations to investigate the function of specific CNS neurons, such as medium spiny and hippocampal pyramidal neurons, ultimately aiming to enhance our understanding of neuronal function and develop more effective therapies for related disorders, with a particular focus on single neuron computation—the process by which individual neurons receive, integrate, and transform incoming signals to generate their own output.

Computer-based emotion research to assist mental healthcare specialists

Globally, over 10% of the population are affected by mental disorders of which a major component is made up of affective disorders. Affective disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and emotion dysregulation disorder and women-specific disorders like post-partum depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder lead to several lost work days and increase the suicide-risk of the sufferers, greatly affecting families and the society as a whole emotionally and economically. Further, pandemics like COVID-19 and disasters like floods, cyclones and landslides take a great toll on emotional health. A greater understanding of the functioning of the human emotion system is necessary to tackle the problems that arise when it functions abnormally or when it is put under severe stress. Computer-based human emotion research is a useful tool to achieve this. CAN employs computational methods and techniques, supported by experiments, to study the emotion system and contribute towards a better understanding of emotional disorders and thus assist mental health specialists in treating and managing them optimally.

Development of computational emotion models for use in affectively intelligent systems

The research at CAN also focuses on the clarification of concepts related to emotion, mood, personality, and attitude in ways that facilitate their use in computing, and the design and development of systems that can model and simulate human emotions. There is increasing realization that artificial systems need to be also emotionally intelligent if they have to interpret human emotions, empathize with them, understand their thinking and decision making, interact effectively with them, predict their actions and also make judgments and decisions like them. This requires the development of computational models of human emotion processes and systems that can simulate and predict human emotional state. Such models and systems are needed to impart synthetic emotions to artificial agents, as well as to deduce and estimate the types, intensities and time course of emotions in humans whom they monitor or interact with. CAN is involved in developing computational emotion models and emotion dynamics simulators that have potential applications in surveillance systems, human-computer interaction, robotics, games, virtual reality training and anywhere affectively intelligent systems are required.

Medical and assistive device development

Medical conditions, encompassing a wide spectrum of disorders, diseases, and injuries, can severely impact an individual's quality of life. These conditions stem from diverse origins, including various diseases, personal injuries, and accidents. Furthermore, certain medical procedures, if not executed precisely, can lead to lasting damage. CAN Lab is dedicated to the research and development of medical and assistive devices that can prevent and manage a variety of medical conditions, including those that can help with disease prevention. This includes medical devices designed to prevent damage during certain procedures, assistive devices to enhance the quality of life for those affected, devices that can monitor the quality of vaccines and food items, and training devices to aid individuals in regaining as much normalcy as possible.