Scientists have created a device that can explain brain mysteries following a new study.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Scientists have developed a state-of-the-art transparent neural implant that promises unprecedented precision in unveiling the mysteries of deep brain activity.
- The implant is a result of joining a high electrode density with the power of machine learning. It represents a crucial step forward in brain-computer interface technology.
- The implant’s innovative design includes a thin, flexible polymer strip loaded with small circular graphene electrodes. It offers the potential to be a minimally invasive brain-computer interface. This technology facilitates direct communication between the brain and external devices.
- Despite residing on the brain’s surface, the implant’s spatial reach goes beyond the physical limits of sensing. It can infer neural activity from deeper layers, expanding the scope of neural recordings. This breakthrough is expected to enhance our understanding of brain functions.
- Tested on transgenic mice, the implant effectively captured two forms of brain activity: electrical and calcium. Its ability to simultaneously capture both types of activities provides a more comprehensive picture of neural processes. The integration of transparent graphene electrodes at high density enhances the spatial resolution of neural activity sampling.
In a new development, scientists at the University of California, San Diego, have engineered a cutting-edge transparent neural implant that promises to unveil the mysteries of deep brain activity with unprecedented precision.
This implant, a result of combining a high electrode density with the power of machine learning marks a crucial step forward in brain-computer interface technology.
The significance lies not only in its ability to provide detailed insights into deep neural activity but also in its non-invasive nature, ensuring the delicate tissues of the brain remain unharmed.
The implant’s innovative design comprises a thin, flexible polymer strip loaded with small circular graphene electrodes.
These electrodes, each with a diameter of approximately 20 micrometers are connected to a circuit board through micrometer-thin graphene wires.
What sets this implant apart is its potential to be a minimally invasive brain-computer interface, a technology that facilitates direct communication between the brain and external devices.
According to Duygu Kuzum, a professor at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering and the senior author of the study, the implant’s spatial reach goes beyond the physical limits of sensing.
Despite residing on the brain’s surface, it can infer neural activity from deeper layers, expanding the scope of neural recordings.
This breakthrough is expected to enhance our understanding of brain functions and open new avenues for brain-related research.
The researchers tested the implant on transgenic mice, effectively capturing two forms of brain activity: electrical and calcium.
Positioned on the brain’s surface, the implant collected electrical impulses from neurons in the outer layers.
Using a two-photon microscope, the scientists were able to guide laser light through the implant, allowing them to image calcium spikes from neurons located 250 micrometers below the surface.
Notably, this implant stands out for its ability to simultaneously capture both types of activities, providing a more comprehensive picture of neural processes.
The integration of transparent graphene electrodes at high density is a key feature that enhances the spatial resolution of neural activity sampling. Professor Kuzum emphasized that this results in a significant improvement in signal quality.
What makes this technology even more remarkable is the incorporation of machine learning methods, enabling the prediction of deep neural activity from surface signals.
This combination of high-resolution data and machine learning brings a new level of sophistication to brain research.
In recent years, brain implants have emerged as crucial tools with the potential to revolutionize various sectors, particularly in the medical and scientific realms.
Neural implants including the one developed in this study hold promise for treating neurological disorders. This includes epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and chronic pain by modulating neural activity.
The transparent neural implant represents a substantial leap forward. This is in our ability to understand and record deep brain activity. It offers implications for advancing brain-computer interface technology and deepening our knowledge of neurological processes.
Ways of Protecting the Brain from Radiation
Shielding your brain from radiation is essential because certain types can harm brain tissue. These are some ways on how to keep your brain safe:
Watch Your Exposure – Cut down on unnecessary exposure to radiation, like X-rays and CT scans. Only get medical imaging when it is crucial. Consider alternatives like MRI, which doesn’t use harmful radiation.
While at that, if you can’t avoid radiation, wear protective gear like lead aprons and thyroid collars. This is crucial, especially if you work in places where radiation exposure is common such as healthcare or radiology jobs.
More so, use materials that block radiation in places where exposure is likely. For example, rooms with radiology equipment can have lead-lined walls, ceilings and floors to reduce exposure to surrounding areas.
Keep Your Distance – Stay as far away as you can from radiation sources. The farther you are, the less radiation you’ll be exposed to. This is a simple but effective way to reduce risk.
However, in all you do, please follow safety rules. That is, stick to safety guidelines when using equipment that emits radiation.
Follow recommended exposure limits and use the safety features that come with the equipment.
Head Protection – If your head is at risk, use protective headgear designed to shield your brain from radiation. This is especially important in certain medical procedures or jobs where radiation exposure is likely.
Also, don’t forget to keep an eye on radiation levels in places where exposure is a concern, like workplaces with radiation-emitting equipment. Regular monitoring ensures you are aware of potential risks.
More so, make smart choices by choosing imaging techniques that use lower radiation doses. Newer technologies and protocols in medical imaging can provide diagnostic results with less radiation exposure.
Stay Healthy – Maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying hydrated and eating a diet rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants can help your body cope with the stress caused by radiation exposure.
Do well to also protect your head and brain from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to solar radiation can be harmful.
Wear hats and use sunscreen to shield your skin and lower the risk of radiation exposure from the sun.
It is also important to know that different types of radiation and sources may need specific protective measures.
If you are unsure, consult healthcare professionals or radiation safety experts for personalized advice based on your situation.
However, the above study published in Nature Nanotechnology open new avenues for scientific exploration and medical applications.
With its non-invasive nature, innovative design and capability to capture deep brain activities simultaneously, this implant stands as a testament to the remarkable progress in neuroscience and technology.
The ongoing fusion of engineering and biology holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of the human brain, offering hope for transformative breakthroughs in medical treatments and our understanding of the intricate workings of the mind.
Share: Scientists Create a Device that Explains Brain Mysteries.