Brain implants are a popular feature of science fiction movies, but now, researchers may be closer to making them a reality.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed an injectable brain mesh that can directly record changes in electrical signals in the brain, down to the level of a single brain cell.
The mesh probe could have a wide range of applications, including brain-machine interfaces, cyborg animals and could also provide insight on how memory and learning evolve with age and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer"s disease.
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Schematic of the mesh electronic technology. (B) Free-standing mesh electronics floating in aqueous solution and ready to be loaded into a glass needle. (C) Mesh electronics injected into mouse brain, with part of the mesh sagging between the brain and the needle
The probe—which does not require a power supply—directly records neural voltage changes by being able to interface with all regions of the brain from the level of single neuron through circuits and networks.
The mesh recording electrode is connected by metal lines to pads at the opposite end of the mesh.
These pads are connected to Flat Flexible Cables (FFC) and plugged in an external system for recording.
In tests in mice, the injectable probe produced a minimal, short-lived immune response and the mesh and brain tissue merged with the probe.
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