Each neuron has a nanoparticle
A new type of nanoparticles can connect to individual neurons of the brain
Stepan Ikaev, Hi-tech+
Sakhrat Khizroev, Lead Engineer from University of Miami, has developed a new technology for processing neural signals – magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENP). The system he created works without neurointerfaces – MENP move inside the human body through the bloodstream, freely penetrate the brain through the blood-brain barrier and read the signals of individual neurons. The project is only a few weeks old, but it has already attracted the attention of the National Science Foundation and the US Army – DARPA will finance further research and the creation of the first prototype.
"Our brains are largely a lot of electric motors, but what is remarkable in the case of MENP is that they understand not only the language of electric, but also magnetic fields. As soon as the MenPS enter the brain and are located next to the neurons, we can stimulate them with an external magnetic field, and they, in turn, create an electric field through which we can interact with the neurons without any wires," explained the inventor in a press release Researcher finds a better way to tap into the brain.
According to Khizroev, other projects related to neural interfaces are doomed to failure – there are more than 80 billion neurons in the brain, so the same number of microelectrodes will be needed for accurate signal analysis, the scientist believes. For this reason, the only sure way to connect to the brain is wireless communication with nanotechnology support.
The author of the project suggests introducing magnetoelectric nanoparticles intravenously, then overcoming the protective blood-brain barrier and connecting to neural signals directly. Then these nanoparticles will be connected to the helmet, which has a set of magnetic converters built into it. The latter will send and receive important information for the brain. Khizroev believes that even at an early stage of development, such an approach may have several effective application scenarios – from precise management of drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases to data exchange between a computer and the human body.
"We will learn how to treat Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and even depression. MENP can not only revolutionize the field of neuroscience, but can potentially change many other aspects of our healthcare system," Khizroev said.
The engineer also added that MENP will simplify the study of the "computational architecture of the brain." And the knowledge gained will simplify the development of neuromorphic computers that will simulate the work of a living brain.
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