Dr. Lan Luan's lab focuses on developing advanced technologies to help restore vision for people suffering from blindness. They are particularly interested in creating flexible electrodes that can interface with the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), an important part of the brain's visual pathway. By studying how to effectively stimulate neurons in the LGN, their research aims to improve visual prosthetics, allowing for better visual perception and quality of life for millions.

Dr. Chong Xie's lab at Rice University specializes in developing advanced electrode technologies for recording and modulating spinal cord activity in behaving animals. This research aims to enhance our understanding of spinal cord function, which is crucial for locomotion and sensations, and to explore new treatment options for spinal cord injuries and neurological diseases. By creating ultraflexible electrodes, the lab investigates how spinal neurons behave during various movements and behaviors, ultimately aiming to improve devices that can monitor and treat spinal cord disorders.