A research team from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne, Switzerland, designed (here the details) an advanced neural chip capable of detecting and suppressing the neurological symptoms of several disorders, including Parkinson's and epilepsy.
The closed-loop neuromodulation system, which the researchers called NeuralTree, includes implantable soft electrodes, a machine learning processor, and a 256-channel sensing device.
A very promising field
The innovation of neuromodulation opens the door to new possibilities for those suffering from diseases of the nervous system, with rapid technological growth. Imagining an implanted microchip that prevents or eliminates neurological symptoms seemed like science fiction, but it's now reality.
How does NeuralTree work?
This new neural device fromEPFL it is unique, because it is able to treat various pathologies and has advanced features. An example? NeuralTree can detect signs of impending tremors or seizures, and directly initiate neurostimulation to reduce or avoid neurological symptoms altogether.
The advanced chip is capable of scanning the depths of the brain for any abnormalities that could herald an attack. With 256 input channels, this device far surpasses the limitations imposed by older systems, which only had 32. Once it detects an alarming neurological biomarker, the chip sends an electric shock through implanted electrodes to stop the abnormal activity and protect the brain.
Little giant against neurological symptoms
The tiny NeuralTree (only 3,48 mm2) has small dimensions also in relation to its energy impact: "it is the first time that we have exploited such a complex neural interface but respectful of energy consumption," he says Mahsa Shoaran, one of the main developers of the new device.
He's right: this “powerful and economical” algorithm does not prioritize energy-intensive processes, helping to save battery life, and opens up pathologies other than epilepsy.
Machine learning algorithms will increasingly broaden the neural signals that a neural chip can recognize. In the near future it will be possible to deal with the symptoms of many ailments with just one implant.
