Sensory Systems Research Articles

Review on Odour Assessment Ant Odour Abatement Techniques

Abstract: Odour can be defined as a perception of smell or in scientific terms it can be defined as a sensation resulting from the reception of stimulus by the olfactory sensory system. Odours may cause pleasant or unpleasant sensation and is induced by inhaling volatile organic and inorganic odorants. The sources of odour may be air-borne or water-borne. Foul odour may cause ill health or respiratory symptoms, insomnia, asthama, nausea and discomfort and other environmental nuisance. Odours can be assessed either by sensory measurements or analytical measurements. There are various physical, chemical and biological treatments for odour abatement. The release of unpleasant odours from sewage carrier system as well as sewage treatment system has become a great public concern especially among densely populated countries. These odours cause environmental nuisance and severe damage to locals. Odour is an important physical characteristic of both water and wastewater. Thus, it requires significant attention in terms of measurement as well as abatement. This study reviews the various odour measurement and abatement techniques.

Bioinspired In-Sensor Multimodal Fusion for Enhanced Spatial and Spatiotemporal Association.

Multimodal perception can capture more precise and comprehensive information compared with unimodal approaches. However, current sensory systems typically merge multimodal signals at computing terminals following parallel processing and transmission, which results in the potential loss of spatial association information and requires time stamps to maintain temporal coherence for time-series data. Here we demonstrate bioinspired in-sensor multimodal fusion, which effectively enhances comprehensive perception and reduces the level of data transfer between sensory terminal and computation units. By adopting floating gate phototransistors with reconfigurable photoresponse plasticity, we realize the agile spatial and spatiotemporal fusion under nonvolatile and volatile photoresponse modes. To realize an optimal spatial estimation, we integrate spatial information from visual-tactile signals. For dynamic events, we capture and fuse in real time spatiotemporal information from visual-audio signals, realizing a dance-music synchronization recognition task without a time-stamping process. This in-sensor multimodal fusion approach provides the potential to simplify the multimodal integration system, extending the in-sensor computing paradigm.

The Use of Multisensory Kit to Reduce Disruptive Behaviour of Student with Autism

Multisensory Kit is a collection items of sensory tools that can be used to calm and stimulate student’s sensory system. This study aims to examine the use of Multisensory Kit to reduce the disruptive behaviour of Autism student in one of the schools in Kuala Lumpur. This study was conducted during the implementation of the Visual Art subject and involved Autism student who was selected on purpose. The study design was a single-subject design (A-B-A) involving baseline phase (A), intervention phase (B) and non-intervention phase (A), conducted for six consecutive weeks. Researchers have used the Multisensory Kit as an intervention to control the disruptive behaviour of Autism student during the learning sessions. Data were collected and analysed using frequency tables and line graphs adapted from Miltenberger (2001). The findings showed that there were changes in behaviour and students' concentration increased after the intervention. This study is expected to guide and help Special Education teachers to address behavioural issues in the classroom.

A pattern recognition artificial olfactory system based on human olfactory receptors and organic synaptic devices.

Neuromorphic sensors, designed to emulate natural sensory systems, hold the promise of revolutionizing data extraction by facilitating rapid and energy-efficient analysis of extensive datasets. However, a challenge lies in accurately distinguishing specific analytes within mixtures of chemically similar compounds using existing neuromorphic chemical sensors. In this study, we present an artificial olfactory system (AOS), developed through the integration of human olfactory receptors (hORs) and artificial synapses. This AOS is engineered by interfacing an hOR-functionalized extended gate with an organic synaptic device. The AOS generates distinct patterns for odorants and mixtures thereof, at the molecular chain length level, attributed to specific hOR-odorant binding affinities. This approach enables precise pattern recognition via training and inference simulations. These findings establish a foundation for the development of high-performance sensor platforms and artificial sensory systems, which are ideal for applications in wearable and implantable devices.

Behavioural phenotype of SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability.

SYNGAP1- related intellectual disability (SYNGAP1-ID) is a rare genetic disorder presenting with intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, maladaptive behaviours and communication challenges. To date, few studies have assessed the context in which these maladaptive behaviours occur. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of problem behaviours, characterise the behavioural phenotype and use well-validated measures to explore variables that maintain the behaviours. Our sample includes 19 individuals diagnosed with SYNGAP1-ID and their parents. Parents provided information on behaviours that their children engage in, as well as their general behavioural dispositions. Well-validated measures (e.g., the Repetitive Behaviour Scale-Revised, Sensory Profile-2 and Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale) were used. A subset of individuals underwent further direct experimental assessment of their problem behaviour to identify the variables maintaining those problem behaviours. Parental reports were analysed using nonparametric statistical analysis; the direct assessments of individuals' problem behaviour were analysed using visual analysis and validated supplemental measures. All 19 individuals engaged in some form of maladaptive problem behaviour. Ratings of ritualistic, sameness and restricted behaviours measured by the RBS-R were commensurate with individuals diagnosed with idiopathic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) while self-injurious behaviours were endorsed at a higher level in SYNGAP1-ID when compared with idiopathic ASD. The problem behaviours in our cohort of patients with SYNGAP1-ID were maintained by automatic reinforcement and social attention and are positively correlated with atypical sensory responses. Individuals with SYNGAP1-ID engage in problem behaviours commensurate with other populations (e.g., those with ASD), they exhibit atypical response to sensory stimuli. Problem behaviours were frequently maintained by automatic reinforcement, which may result from a dysregulated sensory system. Children with SYNGAP1-ID may benefit from strategies used in persons with ASD.

Editorial: Sensory systems of aquatic animals

Editorial: Sensory systems of aquatic animals

Cavefish dorsoventral axis angle during wall swimming: laterality asymmetry

The Astyanax fish exhibits two morphs: an eyed, pigmented surface morph and an eyeless, depigmented cave morph. Previous studies have shown that blind morphs swim nearly parallel to the wall and can sense detailed information about objects by gliding alongside them and sensing changes in the flow field around their body using their lateral line sensory system. Hence, cavefish can build hydrodynamic images of their surroundings. Field observations showed that one of their presumptive prey, mysid shrimp, is predominately found not on the floor, but crawling on the walls. In our study, the angle of the body axis with respect to a vertical wall was measured while fish swam in a tank. Results show that when swimming by a wall, cavefish incline the vertical axis of their body away from the wall. But most significantly, this angle is different when the right side or the left side of their body is oriented towards the wall. Intriguingly, cavefish have a leftward-biased dorso-cranial bend, where the convex side of the head is towards their right side. Other studies have shown behavioral “handedness”. When exhibiting Vibration Attraction Behavior (VAB), cavefish in the field show laterality on the preponderant side they circle to explore a vibrating stimulus. Likewise in larval prey capture (LPC) behavior, larvae strike towards prey preferentially located on one side. Our results support that cavefish also express behavioral lateralization during passive swimming by walls and/or when searching for food that is perched on the walls, such as mysid shrimp.

A Case Study of Ergonomic Risk Assessment in Slovakia with Respect to EU Standard

Attention on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) involves statistical surveys showing an increasing trend in the incidence of WMSDs. Technological development has led to new tools and methods for the assessment of physical load at work. These methods are mostly based on the direct sensing of appropriate parameters, which allows more precise quantification. The aim of this paper is to compare several commonly used methods in Slovakia for the assessment of ergonomic risk reflecting current EU and Slovak legislative regulations. A Captiv wireless sensory system was used at a car headlight quality control assembly workplace for sensing, data acquisition and data processing. During the evaluation of postures and movements at work, we discovered differences in the applicable standards: Decree 542/2007 Coll. (Slovak Legislation), the STN EN 1005-4+A1, and the French standards default in the Captiv system. Standards define the thresholds for hazardous postures with significant differences in several evaluated body segments, which affects the final evaluation of the measurements. Our experience from applying improved risk assessment methodology may have an impact on Slovak industrial workplaces. It was confirmed that there is a need to create uniform standards for the ergonomic risk assessment of body posture, including a detailed description of the threshold values for individual body segments.

Plantar Haptic Display to Estimate the Position of the Projected Center of Gravity of a Humanoid

Humans can perform stable motion with a sense of stability that involves identifying their center of gravity point with plantar sensory system. By contrast, the stability of a humanoid robot is inferior to that of a human. If the sense of stability of a humanoid robot is presented to a human who operates the robot in real time, the operator can control the robot more stably. However, studies wherein humans recognize the projected center of gravity point with a plantar haptic display are lacking. In this study, we investigated the possibility of estimating the projected center of gravity point of a small humanoid robot from only the foot force information. We propose a plantar haptic display to reproduce the foot reaction force on four points of a single sole as large as the force during human running. We conducted an experiment to verify the estimated center of gravity point using the foot reaction forces of a small robot with and without scaling by a weight ratio between an operator and the robot. The results indicated that it is difficult to estimate the projected center of gravity point without scaling; however, it is possible to estimate the movement of the projected center of gravity point with a maximum error of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm with scaling.

Функциональные резервы адаптации двигательной системы спортсменов с позиций физиолого-биомеханического подхода

Human adaptation to physical activity is manifested through mobilization of functional reserves. The purpose of this study was to provide a scientific and experimental substantiation of the adaptation of functional reserves of the motor system in athletes to specific sports activities from the standpoint of the physiological and biomechanical approach. Materials and methods. The study involved 704 elite athletes doing various sports. Reaction time was determined using the hardware and software package “Sports Psychophysiologist”. Stabilometric parameters were analysed using stabilometric platforms with the Smart BTS Motion System (BTS Bioengineering, Italy); the static analysis test protocol was applied. Electromyographic and biomechanical (kinematic and dynamic) movement control was performed using the Smart BTS Motion System as well. Functional reserves of the motor system were studied in line with the existing ideas about the components of the human body’s physiological reserves activated when doing sports. The following were evaluated: sensory systems (sensorimotor reactions, vestibular stability), movement control (stabilography, kinematics, dynamics), regulation of homeostasis, and implementation of activity (neuromuscular system). Results. We found that both single (in respect of urgent adaptation: an increase in voltage, optimization of kinematics and dynamics during a weightlifting snatch) and systematic (as regards long-term adaptation: improvement in reaction time and vestibular stability in athletes of various sports) training sessions involving maximum strength, power and speed contribute to the activation of the relevant sensory systems, central nervous system and muscular system, which form the basis of the motor system and increase its functionality as a whole.

Nature and human well-being: The olfactory pathway.

The world is undergoing massive atmospheric and ecological change, driving unprecedented challenges to human well-being. Olfaction is a key sensory system through which these impacts occur. The sense of smell influences quality of and satisfaction with life, emotion, emotion regulation, cognitive function, social interactions, dietary choices, stress, and depressive symptoms. Exposures via the olfactory pathway can also lead to (anti-)inflammatory outcomes. Increased understanding is needed regarding the ways in which odorants generated by nature (i.e., natural olfactory environments) affect human well-being. With perspectives from a range of health, social, and natural sciences, we provide an overview of this unique sensory system, four consensus statements regarding olfaction and the environment, and a conceptual framework that integrates the olfactory pathway into an understanding of the effects of natural environments on human well-being. We then discuss how this framework can contribute to better accounting of the impacts of policy and land-use decision-making on natural olfactory environments and, in turn, on planetary health.

Diagnosis of post-traumatic syndrome: functional-vegetative analysis of sensory systems

Background. The article analyzes the relationship between emotional states and the psycho-vegetative status of the respondents using functional-vegetative diagnosis, which is important for medical practice. The study was based on the use of functional-vegetative diagnosis, including the analysis of the parameters of the autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular reactivity and other indicators characterizing the psycho-vegetative status of the individual. The purpose: to justify the functional-vegetative diagnosis of sensory systems in the context of the organization of the psychological health of the individual. Materials and methods. The following theoretical methods were used: comparison of existing psychophysiological concepts, structural and genetic analysis of sensory systems, synthesis of theoretical and methodological approaches of the fields of psychophysiology, inductive-deductive approach to the study of the problem. Empirical methods include: measurements according to the functional-vegetative method of V. Makats on the comparison by quantitative signs of the dynamics of each participant in the experiment and comparison of the relative optimal coefficient of vegetative balance and integrated generalization of data in groups with the same initial level of vegetative balance and surveys to determine emotional psychological background on the Izard’s Differential Emotions Scale, according to the results of which an increase in positive emotions and preservation of a moderate level of positive dynamics due to the influence of a psycho-emotional stimulus was recorded. Conclusions. It is noted that the influence of the psycho-emotional factor is a rehabilitation aspect that has a normalizing effect on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and functional-vegetative homeostasis. The obtained results open perspectives for further research on diagnosis and correction of mental and physical health.

Timing-dependent synergies between motor cortex and posterior spinal stimulation in humans.

Volitional movement requires descending input from the motor cortex and sensory feedback through the spinal cord. We previously developed a paired brain and spinal electrical stimulation approach in rats that relies on convergence of the descending motor and spinal sensory stimuli in the cervical cord. This approach strengthened sensorimotor circuits and improved volitional movement through associative plasticity. In humans, it is not known whether posterior epidural spinal cord stimulation targeted at the sensorimotor interface or anterior epidural spinal cord stimulation targeted within the motor system is effective at facilitating brain evoked responses. In 59 individuals undergoing elective cervical spine decompression surgery, the motor cortex was stimulated with scalp electrodes and the spinal cord was stimulated with epidural electrodes, with muscle responses being recorded in arm and leg muscles. Spinal electrodes were placed either posteriorly or anteriorly, and the interval between cortex and spinal cord stimulation was varied. Pairing stimulation between the motor cortex and spinal sensory (posterior) but not spinal motor (anterior) stimulation produced motor evoked potentials that were over five times larger than brain stimulation alone. This strong augmentation occurred only when descending motor and spinal afferent stimuli were timed to converge in the spinal cord. Paired stimulation also increased the selectivity of muscle responses relative to unpaired brain or spinal cord stimulation. Finally, clinical signs suggest that facilitation was observed in both injured and uninjured segments of the spinal cord. The large effect size of this paired stimulation makes it a promising candidate for therapeutic neuromodulation. KEY POINTS: Pairs of stimuli designed to alter nervous system function typically target the motor system, or one targets the sensory system and the other targets the motor system for convergence in cortex. In humans undergoing clinically indicated surgery, we tested paired brain and spinal cord stimulation that we developed in rats aiming to target sensorimotor convergence in the cervical cord. Arm and hand muscle responses to paired sensorimotor stimulation were more than five times larger than brain or spinal cord stimulation alone when applied to the posterior but not anterior spinal cord. Arm and hand muscle responses to paired stimulation were more selective for targeted muscles than the brain- or spinal-only conditions, especially at latencies that produced the strongest effects of paired stimulation. Measures of clinical evidence of compression were only weakly related to the paired stimulation effect, suggesting that it could be applied as therapy in people affected by disorders of the central nervous system.

A sensory–neuromorphic interface capable of environmental perception, sensory coding, and biological stimuli

AbstractThe sensory–neuromorphic interface is key to the application of neuromorphic electronics. Artificial spiking neurons and artificial sensory nerves have been created, and a few studies showed a complete neuromorphic system through cointegration with synaptic electronics. However, artificial synaptic devices and systems often do not work in real environments, which limits their ability to provide realistic neural simulations and interface with biological nerves. We report a sensory–neuromorphic interface that uses a fiber synapse to emulate a biological afferent nerve. For the first time, a sensing–neuromorphic interface is connected to a living organism for peripheral nerve stimulation, allowing the organism to establish a connection with its surrounding environment. The interface converts perceived environmental information into analog electrical signals and then into frequency‐dependent pulse signals, which simplify the information interface between the sensor and the pulse‐data processing center. The frequency of the interface shows a sublinear dependence on strain amplitude at different stimulus intensities, and can deliver increased frequency spikes at potentially damaging stimulus intensities, similar to the response of biological afferent nerves. To verify the application of this interface, a system that monitors strain and provides an overstrain alarm was constructed based on this afferent neural circuit. The system has a response time of <2 ms, which is compatible with the response time in biological systems. The interface can be potentially extended to process signals from almost any type of sensors for other afferent senses, and these results demonstrate the potential for neuromorphic interfaces to be applied to bionic sensory interfaces.

Cold-evoked potentials in Fabry disease and polyneuropathy

BackgroundFabry disease (FD) causes cold-evoked pain and impaired cold perception through small fiber damage, which also occurs in polyneuropathies (PNP) of other origins. The integrity of thinly myelinated fibers and the spinothalamic tract is assessable by cold-evoked potentials (CEPs). In this study, we aimed to assess the clinical value of CEP by investigating its associations with pain, autonomic measures, sensory loss, and neuropathic signs.MethodsCEPs were examined at the hand and foot dorsum of patients with FD (n = 16) and PNP (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 23). Sensory phenotyping was performed using quantitative sensory testing (QST). The painDETECT questionnaire (PDQ), FabryScan, and measures for the autonomic nervous system were applied. Group comparisons and correlation analyses were performed.ResultsCEPs of 87.5% of the FD and 85.7% of the PNP patients were eligible for statistical analysis. In all patients combined, CEP data correlated significantly with cold detection loss, PDQ items, pain, and autonomic measures. Abnormal CEP latency in FD patients was associated with an abnormal heart frequency variability item (r = −0.684; adjusted p = 0.04). In PNP patients, CEP latency correlated significantly with PDQ items, and CEP amplitude correlated with autonomic measures (r = 0.688, adjusted p = 0.008; r = 0.619, adjusted p = 0.024). Furthermore, mechanical pain thresholds differed significantly between FD (gain range) and PNP patients (loss range) (p = 0.01).ConclusionsAbnormal CEPs were associated with current pain, neuropathic signs and symptoms, and an abnormal function of the autonomic nervous system. The latter has not been mirrored by QST parameters. Therefore, CEPs appear to deliver a wider spectrum of information on the sensory nervous system than QST alone.

Blind cavefish evolved higher foraging responses to chemo- and mechanostimuli.

In nature, animals must navigate to forage according to their sensory inputs. Different species use different sensory modalities to locate food efficiently. For teleosts, food emits visual, mechanical, chemical, and/or possibly weak-electrical signals, which can be detected by optic, auditory/lateral line, and olfactory/taste buds sensory systems. However, how fish respond to and use different sensory inputs when locating food, as well as the evolution of these sensory modalities, remain unclear. We examined the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, which is composed of two different morphs: a sighted riverine (surface fish) and a blind cave morph (cavefish). Compared with surface fish, cavefish have enhanced non-visual sensory systems, including the mechanosensory lateral line system, chemical sensors comprising the olfactory system and taste buds, and the auditory system to help navigate toward food sources. We tested how visual, chemical, and mechanical stimuli evoke food-seeking behavior. In contrast to our expectations, both surface fish and cavefish did not follow a gradient of chemical stimulus (food extract) but used it as a cue for the ambient existence of food. Surface fish followed visual cues (red plastic beads and food pellets), but, in the dark, were likely to rely on mechanosensors-the lateral line and/or tactile sensor-as cavefish did. Our results indicate cavefish used a similar sensory modality to surface fish in the dark, while affinity levels to stimuli were higher in cavefish. In addition, cavefish evolved an extended circling strategy to forage, which may yield a higher chance to capture food by swimming-by the food multiple times instead of once through zigzag motion. In summary, we propose that ancestors of cavefish, similar to the modern surface fish, evolved extended food-seeking behaviors, including circling motion, to adapt to the dark.

Perturbation-based dual task assessment in older adults with mild cognitive impairment

BackgroundDual tasking (i.e., concurrent performance of motor and cognitive task) is significantly impaired in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (OAwMCI) compared to cognitively intact older adults (CIOA) and has been associated with increased fall risk. Dual task studies have primarily examined volitionally driven events, and the effects of mild cognitive impairment on reactive balance control (i.e., the ability to recover from unexpected balance threats) are unexplored. We examined the effect of cognitive tasks on reactive balance control in OAwMCI compared to CIOA.MethodsAdults >55 years were included and completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to categorize them as OAwMCI (MoCA: 18–24, n = 15) or CIOA (MoCA: ≥25, n = 15). Both OAwMCI [MoCA: 22.4 (2.2), 65.4 (6.1) years, 3 females] and CIOA [MoCA: 28.4 (1.3), 68.2 (5.5) years, 10 females] responded to large magnitude stance slip-like perturbations alone (single task) and while performing perceptual cognitive tasks targeting the visuomotor domain (target and tracking game). In these tasks, participants rotated their head horizontally to control a motion mouse and catch a falling target (target game) or track a moving object (track). Margin of stability (MOS) and fall outcome (harness load cell >30% body weight) were used to quantify reactive balance control. Cognitive performance was determined using performance error (target) and sum of errors (tracking). A 3 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA examined the effect of group and task on MOS, and generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was used to determine changes in fall outcome between groups and tasks. 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVAs examined the effect of group and task on cognitive performance.ResultsCompared to CIOA, OAwMCI exhibited significantly deteriorated MOS and greater number of falls during both single task and dual task (p < 0.05), and lower dual task tracking performance (p < 0.01). Compared to single task, both OAwMCI and CIOA exhibited significantly deteriorated perceptual cognitive performance during dual task (p < 0.05); however, no change in MOS or fall outcome between single task and dual task was observed.ConclusionCognitive impairment may diminish the ability to compensate and provide attentional resources demanded by sensory systems to integrate perturbation specific information, resulting in deteriorated ability to recover balance control among OAwMCI.

Solution-Processing Approach of Nanomaterials Toward an Artificial Sensory System

Abstract Artificial sensory systems have emerged as pivotal technologies to bridge the gap between the virtual and real-world, replicating human senses to interact intelligently with external stimuli. To practically apply artificial sensory systems in the real-world, it is essential to mass-produce nanomaterials with ensured sensitivity and selectivity, purify them for desired functions, and integrate them into large-area sensory devices through assembly techniques. A comprehensive understanding of each process parameter from material processing to device assembly is crucial for achieving a high-performing artificial sensory system. This review provides a technological framework for fabricating high-performance artificial sensory systems, covering material processing to device integrations. We introduce recent approaches for dispersing and purifying various nanomaterials including 0D, 1D, and 2D nanomaterials. We then highlight advanced coating and printing techniques of the solution-processed nanomaterials based on representative three methods including i) evaporation-based assembly, ii) assisted assembly, and iii) direct patterning. We explore the application and performances of these solution-processed materials and printing methods in fabricating sensory devices mimicking five human senses including vision, olfaction, gustation, hearing, and tactile perception. Finally, we suggest an outlook for possible future research directions to solve the remaining challenges of the artificial sensory systems such as ambient stability, device consistency, and integration with AI-based software.

Selection drives divergence of eye morphology in sympatric Heliconius butterflies.

When populations experience different sensory conditions, natural selection may favor sensory system divergence, affecting peripheral structures and/or downstream neural pathways. We characterized the outer eye morphology of sympatric Heliconius species from different forest types and their first-generation reciprocal hybrids to test for adaptive visual system divergence and hybrid disruption. In Panama, Heliconius cydno occurs in closed forests, whereas Heliconius melpomene resides at the forest edge. Among wild individuals, H. cydno has larger eyes than H. melpomene, and there are heritable, habitat-associated differences in the visual brain structures that exceed neutral divergence expectations. Notably, hybrids have intermediate neural phenotypes, suggesting disruption. To test for similar effects in the visual periphery, we reared both species and their hybrids in common garden conditions. We confirm that H. cydno has larger eyes and provide new evidence that this is driven by selection. Hybrid eye morphology is more H. melpomene-like despite body size being intermediate, contrasting with neural trait intermediacy. Overall, our results suggest that eye morphology differences between H. cydno and H. melpomene are adaptive, and that hybrids may suffer fitness costs due to a mismatch between the peripheral visual structures and previously described neural traits that could affect visual performance.

Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of large language models in answering neurophysiology questions

Large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and Anthropic’s Claude, showcase remarkable natural language processing capabilities. Evaluating their proficiency in specialized domains such as neurophysiology is crucial in understanding their utility in research, education, and clinical applications. This study aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of Large Language Models (LLMs) in answering neurophysiology questions in both English and Persian (Farsi) covering a range of topics and cognitive levels. Twenty questions covering four topics (general, sensory system, motor system, and integrative) and two cognitive levels (lower-order and higher-order) were posed to the LLMs. Physiologists scored the essay-style answers on a scale of 0–5 points. Statistical analysis compared the scores across different levels such as model, language, topic, and cognitive levels. Performing qualitative analysis identified reasoning gaps. In general, the models demonstrated good performance (mean score = 3.87/5), with no significant difference between language or cognitive levels. The performance was the strongest in the motor system (mean = 4.41) while the weakest was observed in integrative topics (mean = 3.35). Detailed qualitative analysis uncovered deficiencies in reasoning, discerning priorities, and knowledge integrating. This study offers valuable insights into LLMs’ capabilities and limitations in the field of neurophysiology. The models demonstrate proficiency in general questions but face challenges in advanced reasoning and knowledge integration. Targeted training could address gaps in knowledge and causal reasoning. As LLMs evolve, rigorous domain-specific assessments will be crucial for evaluating advancements in their performance.