‘Cyborg Tadpoles’ With Super Soft Neural Implants Shine Light on Early Brain Development
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Summary
Scientists have developed an electrical array using flexible, tofu-like material that allows them to continuously record individual neurons from the brains of developing amphibians and rodents without harming the animals.
The probe, which can also stimulate nerve regeneration in axolotl embryos with electrical zaps, was used to record brain activity in organoids derived from human cells, which can help scientists understand neurodevelopmental disorders.
The technology could also be used in the future to treat conditions such as spinal cord injuries and nerve diseases.
The brain is “like a piece of tofu”, said lead researcher Jia Liu, adding that traditional electronics are very rigid and can cut the brain at a micrometer scale.
His team’s ultra-flexible probe, which is made from a material called fluorinated elastomers, is “10,000 times softer” than current flexible implants.
