From previous research, it has been observed that neural summation can be observed from reaction time tasks. This is observed through race models, as proposed by J.O. Miller. These models are referred to as “race models” as different stimuli “race” to extract a response during tasks. The race model is augmented by the Race Model Inequality, which claims the probability that two simultaneous signals will have a faster reaction time than the summation of the probabilities of two individual signals. When this inequality expression is violated, it indicates neural summation is occurring. In another study, researchers studied how the location of visual stimuli influences neural summation with tactile information, observing the visual stimuli from different distances and a mirrored reflection condition. However, results of the mirror condition did not follow the other visual conditions, offering unique properties. The mirrored case is examined more closely in this project, attempting to answer if the presence of a mirrored representation of the hand will affect reaction time during timed tasks, suggesting the occurrence of neural summation, and suggesting that a mirrored reflection of self is interpreted as an independent channel of information. This was measured by evaluating participants’ response time while manipulating the presence of a reflection and checking if they violate the race model. However, the results of this study indicated that the presence of a mirror does not have an effect in reaction time and therefore did not present the occurrence of neural summation

For the last two decades, a consistent statistic in the United States is that one out of every six people report experiencing at least one migraine every three months. The Neural Microsystems Laboratory at Arizona State University has developed a wireless implantable neurostimulator (WINS), which they believe can be used to treat these widespread, episodic attacks. This device is about the size of a grain of rice and contains micro circuitry that generates an electric current when exposed to ultrasound. One problem facing the lab is that there is no process to place the WINS inside of the human body. For this Honors Thesis/Creative Project, I invented a tool that can be used to inject the WINS into the body, while addressing key issues of positioning, repositioning, and orientation. After testing was conducted on an artificial skin model and imaged with an optical microscope, the implantation tool proved to be successful. The tool made it easy to inject the WINS perpendicular to an artificial occipital nerve for every trial of the testing, also maintaining a proper alignment of the device so that it could receive maximum exposure to external ultrasound. Successful testing of this prototype shows that it is ready to be redesigned for mass production so that it can deliver the WINS to as many victims of migraine attacks as possible.