Printed Neurons Communicating with Living Brain Cells

To move closer to a biological model, Mark Hersam’s team developed artificial neurons using soft, printable materials that better mimic the brain’s structure and behavior. The backbone of that advance is a series of electronic inks. Photo by Mark Hersam via Northwestern University

Engineers at Northwestern University printed artificial neurons capable of communicating with the brain.

In a new study, the Northwestern team developed flexible, low-cost devices that generate electrical signals realistic enough to activate living brain cells. When tested on slices of tissue from mouse brains, the artificial neurons successfully triggered responses from real neurons, demonstrating a new level of biocompatibility.

The work marks a step toward electronics that can communicate directly with the nervous system, with potential applications in brain-machine interfaces and neuroprosthetics, including implants for hearing, vision and movement.

from Adafruit Industries – Makers, hackers, artists, designers and engineers! https://ift.tt/HvUQJLq
via IFTTT