Wireless magnetothermal deep brain stimulation

Abstract

Current techniques to stimulate regions inside the brain need a permanently implanted wire or an optical fiber. Working in mice, Chen et al. developed a method to overcome this problem (see the Perspective by Temel and Jahanshahi). They introduced heat-sensitive capsaicin receptors into nerve cells and then injected magnetic nanoparticles into specific brain regions. The nanoparticles could be heated by external alternating magnetic fields, which activated the ion channel–expressing neurons. Thus, cellular signaling deep inside the brain can be controlled remotely without permanent implants.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Mar 27, 2015
Source ID
10.1126/science.1261821

Entities

People

  • Alan Mohr
  • Gabriela Romero
  • Michael G. Christiansen
  • Polina Anikeeva
  • Ritchie Chen

Organizations

  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • McGovern Institute for Brain Research

Tags

Readers

  • Neuroscience
  • Superconducting Magnet Technology
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology