iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Neuroethics has its principles. What it lacks are the institutions to make them work. In @cp-trendsbiotech.bsky.social, led by Jose Munoz, we propose actionable frameworks for the future of neurotechnology governance. Read the full open-access paper: www.cell.com/trends/biote...

Article in Trends in Biotechnology: 'Neurotechnology governance: the operational turn'
Abstract: Neurotechnology governance is entering an operational turn, driven by the need to move beyond the articulation of ethical principles and to translate them into heterogeneous real-world settings through institutional capacity-building, regulatory fit, and coordination. This shift also concerns the conditions under which beneficial neurotechnology applications can emerge and scale responsibly.

120

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I'm thrilled to see my concept on the cover of @cp-trendscognsci.bsky.social this month! It was a fun challenge to illustrate the overlapping brain networks underlying cognition and highlight the complexity that future cBCIs must navigate to restore mental function in real time 🧠

2237

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

📣 We're hiring! The Saez Lab at Mount Sinai is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with experience in intracranial recordings, electrophysiology, BCIs, mood disorders, and/or computational modeling, to explore the neural basis of human cognition. 🗓️ Apply by September 30, 2026. Please share widely!

02223

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Congrats to Saez Lab grad student @emanuelmcoleman.bsky.social for presenting our work at the #GRC-FrontalCortex & GRS! By examining intracranial recordings in the hippocampus & amygdala across longitudinal timescales, Manny is exploring electrophysiological markers of fluctuations in wellbeing 🧠

021

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Attending #CCN2026 in NYC? Be sure to visit Gelana Tostaeva's poster on Thursday! Gelana will be presenting our recent work exploring how the human hippocampus can track locations in abstract social space 🧠 Read her full abstract here: 2026.ccneuro.org/poster/?id=y...

032

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

What’s holding us back from developing a clinical BCI for mental health? My new review in @cp-trendscognsci.bsky.social outlines a roadmap to overcome the unique hurdles facing cognitive BCIs by integrating & expanding on existing neurotech methods. Read here: authors.elsevier.com/a/1nSLK4sIRv...

22311

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Where does cognition end & communication begin? 🧠 By mapping multi-region brain activity, we can see the complex circuitry behind speech and the thoughts that precede it. The next milestone? BCIs that restore cognition itself. Full video here: www.thetransmitter.org/brain-comput...

193

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Our understanding of depression is incomplete, leaving millions without effective treatment. I joined @hmarusak.bsky.social on her BrainSTEM podcast to discuss how my lab maps the mechanisms underlying the disease to develop better therapies. Listen here ⬇️ open.spotify.com/episode/2nX3...

1123

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Finally, single neurons in the OFC encoded both: 💰 expected value 🎯 the task-relevant feature dimension Importantly, the directionality of single-unit value coding mirrored the population-level HFA signals, linking local activity to neural computations across scales. 11/

110

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Local LPFC value encoding was linked to broad circuit dynamics. LPFC high-frequency activity (HFA) value signals predicted theta-band LPFC-OFC coordination, which was modulated by attention. Thus, attention-dependent local computations are coordinated across prefrontal circuits. 10/

120

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

At the circuit level, theta-band LPFC ↔️ OFC coordination also depended on attentional strategy. In high-attention subjects: ➡️ value-related LPFC-OFC coordination emerged before choice In low-attention subjects: ⬅️ value-related LPFC-OFC coordination emerged after choice 9/

110

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

OFC value signals were transient and centered around decisions. LPFC value signals were sustained across the decision epoch and strongly modulated by attentional strategy. Stronger selective attention was linked to earlier and stronger LPFC expected-value representations. 8/

120

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Both the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) encoded the expected value in: ⚡ high-frequency activity (60–200 Hz) 🌊 theta-band activity (3–8 Hz) But the temporal dynamics and attentional dependence of these signals differed across regions. 7/

110

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Participants with stronger selective attention to the relevant dimension (i.e., a more compressed task state) performed better and responded faster. Using this data, our behavioral models provided insight into how attentional strategy shapes neural computations. 6/

110

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Participants performed a reinforcement learning(RL) task in which stimuli varied across multiple feature dimensions. They were instructed which feature dimension was relevant, but still had to learn which feature predicted reward through trial and error. 5/

110

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

How does your brain filter out the noise and focus enough to learn efficiently? In our newest preprint, we use intracranial recordings + computational modeling to explore how selective attention shapes learning and state representations in the human brain 🧠 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6... 1/🧵

bioRxiv preprint titled 'Coordinated human prefrontal dynamics sustain task-state representations during learning'

24115

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

So happy to see @christinamaher.bsky.social recognized by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai with the Award for Outstanding Research in Neuroscience AND the Hausfeld Award honoring an exceptional PhD student! 🎉 Read more about Christina’s journey & all the 2026 awardees: icahnhonors.com

033

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Congratulations to the Icahn Mount Sinai Class of 2026! 🎓🥳 A special shout-out to Drs. Qi Xiu Fu and Christina Maher on their hooding. Watching Qi Xiu and Christina grow into exceptional researchers and mentors has been a joy.

131

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

In addition to this neural expectation effect, we observed a behavioral consequence of rewards: participants responded faster following rewarded trials - suggesting an invigorating effect of rewards (and potentially DA signaling).

110

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

We found that reward outcomes had a lasting effect on putative DA neuron spiking. Computational modeling showed that prior trial outcomes influence subsequent choices. Even more interestingly, DA neuron activity reflected this through increased spiking following rewarded trials.

100

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

We examined the firing of individual neurons while patients played a reward-learning task (choosing between two slot machines 🎰), and examined the influence of reward expectations on single-neuron activity.

100

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

We leveraged surgical interventions in Parkinson’s Disease patients to record neuron spiking in the Substantia Nigra (SN) - a key source of dopaminergic projections.

100

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Excited to share new work now published in @cp-iscience.bsky.social Using single-neuron recordings in humans, we show that dopamine neurons encode reward expectations derived from past experience––giving us a new look into how reward learning unfolds in the human brain 🧵👇

1135

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Excited to be attending #SOBP2026 with my incredible team of trainees. Join us on the poster floor to learn about our current projects!

Details of Saez lab posters at the SOBP 2026 Annual Meeting.
Wednesday: Maren Cukor - Characterizing Aperiodic Components and Beta Oscillations in the Basal Ganglia (E-Poster V9)
Thursday: Henry Asher - Decreased Frontal Theta Coherence as a Depression Marker in Patients With Comorbid Epilepsy (Poster T141)
Friday: Dr Qi XIu Fu - Dopamine and Serotonin Transients Predict Depressive Symptom Relief Following DBS of Human Subcallosal Cingulate Cortex (Poster F121)
Saturday: Emanuel Coleman - Chronic Intracranial Recordings Reveal Frequency-Specific Correlates of Quality of Life in Epilepsy (Poster S153)

082

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

We are bridging the gap between real-time brain function and the molecular mechanisms that drive it. Molecular insights into neurotransmission offer a major step toward precision treatments for psychiatric and neurological conditions. www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Header image for Molecular Psychiatry article: A transcriptional program associated with neurotransmission in the living human brain

032

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Massive congratulations to Dr. @christinamaher.bsky.social on a brilliant defense! 👏 Christina is a force of nature, and her work is incredibly exciting. It’s been a true joy to co-mentor her alongside @angelaradulescu.bsky.social. Stay tuned for Christina’s papers dropping soon! 🎓🚀

1166

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Ethics isn't a "side-project," it's the foundation of responsible neurotech. Congratulations to Fundación Tatiana for hosting the inaugural CINET neurotech conference and facilitating these critical conversations. I’m proud to center these considerations in my work.

052

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

What does "Human-centered neural engineering and AI" mean? It means prioritizing the patient across the entire pipeline: Discovery, Design, and Delivery of neuro-engineering treatments for psychiatric disorders. Join me to discuss at @embs.org #NER25 hosted by @onemindaccelerator.bsky.social

055

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

What does it take to move neuroengineering breakthroughs into real-world impact? Our workshop at @embs.org #NER25 hosted by @onemindaccelerator.bsky.social, will explore how research, startups, and investment can come together to advance mental health care. neuro.embs.org/2025/satellite-workshops/

076

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

"It takes a village!" and I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of this one. It was inspiring to witness the growing community driving cutting-edge #BCI research from the bench to real life at #NYBCI25 Here’s to building the future of #neurotechnology, together. 🧠⚡

073

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

I left the 2025 @onemindorg.bsky.social music festival feeling inspired by the advances in mental health research and awareness that, together, are cracking the future of care wide open. Proud to be part of this community alongside peers like @maryamshanechi.bsky.social & @claudialugo.bsky.social!

083

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

What I’m reading 👉📚 A powerful & personal piece by @jacobrobinson.bsky.social (CEO @motifneuro.bsky.social) on how brain-computer interfaces could transform mental health. Honest, bold & inspiring. I encourage folks to read & subscribe. brainjacob.substack.com #BCIs #BrainComputerInterface

063

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

How is prefrontal neural activity refined as we age? Out today in @nathumbehav.nature.com‬! This study, from Elizabeth Johnson, uncovers how subtle changes in neural 'noise' impact our attention, memory, and cognition through development. Proud to have contributed! www.nature.com/articles/s41...

The development of aperiodic neural activity in the human brain header

24418

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

As we step into summer, we’re taking a moment to reflect on an amazing past year and offer a warm welcome aboard to our new lab members, @emanuelmcoleman.bsky.social‬ and Henry Asher! We’re thrilled to have you join the Saez Lab team and look forward to an exciting year ahead.

062

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Looking forward to speaking at #DES2025! I’ll be sharing insights on how brain computer interfaces are helping us advance cognitive neuroscience. www.des-show.com/agenda-sessi...

052

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

What an incredible milestone! 🎉 Proud to celebrate Dr. Arianna Neal Davis, the Saez Lab's first Ph.D. graduate! 🎓 After an exceptional defense, we wish her all the best as she embarks on completing medical school 🥼 So proud to have co-supervised this trailblazer with @xiaosigu.bsky.social

060

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

Had a great conversation hosted by Dr. Josh Bederson about how our lab is revolutionizing our understanding of the brain with intraoperative recordings. 🎞️ Watch to learn how our lab is advancing translational & cognitive neurosciences & neurotechnology: vimeo.com/1079556842/7...

011

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

OFC stimulation was also associated with faster reaction times. This suggests that stimulation effects on risk preference are distinct from impulsivity, which is often associated with faster reactions. (8/11)

100

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

Strikingly, disruption of delta-theta oscillations via targeted OFC stimulation modulated risk preferences. Stimulation results in increased risk-averse behavior, which is less dependent on functional integration of multiple reward computations. (7/11)

100

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

The oscillatory phase of delta-theta OFC activity modulates high-frequency activity (gamma/high-gamma), which we previously showed encodes the level of risk presented, via phase-amplitude cross-frequency coupling (CFC). (6/11)

110

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

Individuals with stronger synchronization of low-frequency (delta-theta) oscillatory activity within the OFC showed riskier behavior. This link was location & frequency specific, suggesting that coordinated timing of OFC activity plays a central role in decision making. (5/11)

100

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

We investigated activity in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) during gambling tasks where patients chose a safe prize or risky gamble to determine reward. Using intracranial recordings, we examined neural activity differences in risk-seeking, neutral & averse participants. (4/11)

100

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

In the new preprint 🚀 from the Saez Lab, we uncover a neurobiological basis for heterogeneity in risky decision making 🎲 in humans and show that it can be altered through targeted neuromodulation! Full preprint here: doi.org/10.1101/2025... (3/11)

131

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

100

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

100

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

120

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

110

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

110

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Congratulations to Christina Maher on a successful talk at the @sinaibrain.bsky.social retreat! Thank you for sharing insights on how we are leveraging intracranial recordings to advance our understanding of the brain. Job well done! 🎉 Learn more www.thesaezlab.com

041

Ignacio Saez, PhD @ignaciosaezphd.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

Enjoyed very stimulating ⚡ conversations alongside @urutisha.bsky.social & @suthanalab.bsky.social at #COSYNE2025 about the future of systems & computational human neuroscience using intracranial techniques! Thanks to everyone who attended the panel and visited the Saez lab posters.

052