If you think remote control cars are fun, just wait until you hear this: Scientists have developed a way to remote control brain cells using magnets.
, a research team at the University College London found a way to attach tiny magnetic particles, or micromagnets, to brain cells called astrocytes. When a stronger magnet is waved overhead, the attached micromagnets essentially act as mechanical switches that encourage the star-shaped astrocytes to run specific functions, giving researchers some degree of control over the brain.
When scientists typically engineer brain cells to do specific tasks in the lab, they genetically alter these cells to be more sensitive to light or to the presence of certain chemicals. As a result, the micromagnet-laden astrocytes essentially activate the part of the brain where they are located. For example, if switched on in the part of the brain that regulates blood pressure , the result is an increase in blood pressure, which is exactly what Yu and his team observed.
“This is one of the strengths of our approach,” said Yu. “Biological tissue does not impede the magnetic field that we apply in any meaningful way. As a result, a magnetic field can reach deep tissue without trouble.” The external magnet could be something as well-known and widely used as an MRI machine.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Molecular map of the human blood–brain barrier reveals links to Alzheimer’s diseaseIsolation and analysis of the brain’s vascular cells increase understanding of the human brain.
Weiterlesen »
Spotify releases its Car Thing streaming device for everyone in the U.S.If you live in the U.S. you can now buy Spotify's dashboard accessory for your car that lets you conveniently control the app on your phone.
Weiterlesen »
Thought-To-Text Typing Hits 90 Characters/Minute With 94% AccuracyThe brain-computer interface can even allow brain-computer interface pioneers to feel the warmth of their loved one’s hands in a handshake.
Weiterlesen »
Miss Alabama Zoe Sozo Bethel, 27, Dies Eight Days After HospitalizationBethel suffered injuries to her brain and brainstem in an undisclosed accident, resulting in a coma
Weiterlesen »
Why remote jobs are changing work for good — if you’re working in the right placeThe pandemic is the biggest shock to American working life since World War II, writes Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom. “And we are never going back to the...
Weiterlesen »
13 Nordstrom Top-Rated Beauty Products You Need To Check Out: Mac, Nars, Benefit, It Cosmetics & More - E! OnlineLet your fellow Nordstrom shoppers guide your next beauty purchases with these popular, highly-rated products.
Weiterlesen »