Northwestern University Develops Implant for Artificial Perception in Mice
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a wireless, optogenetic device that delivers patterned light stimulation to the brain, generating artificial perception in mice. The device, which sits under the scalp, uses light to activate neurons across the cortex, allowing mice to interpret these patterns as meaningful signals. This technology, published in Nature Neuroscience, offers a minimally invasive method to study brain activity and has potential therapeutic applications. The device's ability to deliver complex light patterns could aid in sensory feedback for prosthetics, pain modulation, and rehabilitation after injuries.