New Brain Implant Developed to Perform Three Functions Simultaneously for Neurological Research
Scientists from DTU, the University of Copenhagen, University College London, and other institutions have developed a novel brain implant called the microfluidic Axialtrode (mAxialtrode). This needle-thin device is equipped with microscopic channels that allow it to perform three functions simultaneously: record neural activity, deliver medication, and apply electrical or light stimulation to specific brain regions. Unlike conventional brain implants made from rigid materials like silicon, the mAxialtrode is composed of soft, plastic-like optical fibers, which are designed to reduce irritation and inflammatory reactions in brain tissue. The implant's unique design, featuring multiple functional points along its length, enables researchers to study how signals traverse different brain layers, offering a more precise approach to understanding complex brain functions such as those involved in epilepsy, memory, and decision-making. The technology has been successfully tested in living mice, demonstrating its a...
