Members of the Fixel Institute Neurotechnology Lab were recognized as finalists in the 2026 NIH BRAIN Initiative Photo and Video Contest for their video, “Neural Enlightenment: Restoring Cognition through Thalamic DBS.”
Christopher Butson, Ph.D., Matthew Hook, M.S., and Shalini Babu, M.S., created the video to visualize the thalamic fibers stimulated during deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Ten years ago, the first patient with TBI was implanted with DBS in the thalamus to address executive function impairment. When asked if she was ready for stimulation, she responded, “Light me up!” Since then, executive function has been successfully restored in five patients using thalamic DBS, according to Hook.
The annual NIH BRAIN Initiative Photo and Video Contest showcases creative images and videos that capture advances in neuroscience and neurotechnology. This year’s entries reflected the 2026 BRAIN Initiative Conference theme, “Inventing the Future.”
The recognition highlights the innovative neurotechnology research underway at the Fixel Institute and its potential to advance approaches to restoring function after brain injury.