New Optogenetic Neural Implants Use Precise Beams of Light to Manipulate The Brain
Neurologists love picking the brain, but getting in there can be both difficult and dangerous, and once inside it's tough to make the brain do exactly what you want. But researchers at medical device maker Medtronic are developing a neural implant that uses light to manipulate the neurons in the brain in a far more controlled fashion than current electrical therapies. All they need to do is genetically tamper with your brain first; no big deal. Current neural implants that treat Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders work by shocking localized neural networks into action. But while they've enjoyed measured success, there are some serious drawbacks to these therapies. They stimulate neurons indiscriminately, and can produce interference that makes it difficult for researchers to observe quieter neural signals. It's also limited by the fact that it generally only causes neurons to fire; it's very difficult to coax them into remaining silent...