Jun Yao

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Jun Yao is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of neuroscience and nanotechnology, whose work pushes the boundaries of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) into the microscale realm. Her key research areas include BCI-driven optical manipulation, nanophotonics, and neural engineering. Yao’s major contribution is the development of the first mind-controlled optical manipulation system, a breakthrough that allows human brain signals to directly control microscopic light-based tools—bridging the gap between neural activity and precision optics. This work, published in 2024 and already garnering 14 citations, demonstrates how BCIs can transcend macroscale applications like robotic arms to achieve unprecedented control at the cellular level. By integrating electroencephalography with holographic optical tweezers, Yao has opened new avenues for non-invasive, real-time manipulation of biological specimens, with profound implications for targeted drug delivery and single-cell surgery. Her achievement represents a paradigm shift in BCI utility, earning recognition as a top innovation in neurophotonics. For students and researchers, Yao’s work exemplifies how interdisciplinary thinking can transform abstract neural signals into tangible, microscopic actions, making her a leading voice in the next generation of neural interface technology.