13/10/2024
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Controlling Brain Activity with Magnetic Fields
A new magnetic technology enables precise, non-invasive control of specific brain circuits, showing promise for treating neurological and psychiatric conditions.
The method, developed by researchers, uses gene therapy to deliver specialized proteins into targeted brain cells, which then respond to magnetic fields by activating or inhibiting specific neurons.
In preclinical studies, researchers demonstrated its effectiveness in mice by influencing movement and mitigating Parkinson's-like symptoms.
Unlike previous approaches, this method doesn’t require permanent implants or drugs, relying on magnets to control neural circuits with high accuracy.
Initial results showed safety, with normal ambient magnetic fields being far too weak to unintentionally activate the system.
Researchers plan to further explore the technology’s potential applications in mental health, pain treatment, and more.
Image Credit: Santiago Unda
