November 2, 2024

Revolutionizing Brain Health: Rice University Unveils Tiny, Implantable Brain Stimulator

Thanks to pioneering magnetoelectric power transfer technology, the pea-sized device established in the Rice lab of Jacob Robinson in partnership with Motif Neurotech and clinicians Dr. Sameer Sheth and Dr. Sunil Sheth can be powered wirelessly through an external transmitter and used to stimulate the brain through the dura ⎯ the protective membrane connected to the bottom of the skull.The device, known as the Digitally programmable Over-brain Therapeutic (DOT), could revolutionize treatment for drug-resistant depression and other psychiatric or neurological conditions by offering a healing option that offers higher patient autonomy and ease of access than current neurostimulation-based therapies and is less invasive than other brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).”Neurostimulation is key to making it possible for treatments in the psychological health space where drug side effects and an absence of efficacy leave numerous people without sufficient treatment alternatives,” Robinson said.Clinical Testing and Future DirectionsThe researchers checked the gadget momentarily in a human patient, utilizing it to promote the motor cortex ⎯ the part of the brain responsible for movement ⎯ and generating a hand motion action.”Back home, the client would put on their hat or wearable to power and communicate with the implant, press go on their iPhone or their smartwatch, and then the electrical stimulation from that implant would trigger a neuronal network inside the brain,” Robinson said.Implantation would require a minimally intrusive 30-minute procedure that would place the gadget in the bone over the brain.

Thanks to pioneering magnetoelectric power transfer innovation, the pea-sized gadget developed in the Rice lab of Jacob Robinson in collaboration with Motif Neurotech and clinicians Dr. Sameer Sheth and Dr. Sunil Sheth can be powered wirelessly via an external transmitter and used to stimulate the brain through the dura ⎯ the protective membrane attached to the bottom of the skull.The device, known as the Digitally programmable Over-brain Therapeutic (DOT), might change treatment for drug-resistant anxiety and other psychiatric or neurological disorders by providing a therapeutic option that uses higher client autonomy and availability than present neurostimulation-based therapies and is less invasive than other brain-computer user interfaces (BCIs).”Existing implantable innovations for brain stimulation are powered by reasonably big batteries that require to be placed under the skin in other places in the body and linked to the stimulating device by means of long wires.”Neurostimulation is essential to allowing therapies in the mental health area where drug side impacts and a lack of efficacy leave many people without adequate treatment alternatives,” Robinson said.Clinical Testing and Future DirectionsThe scientists checked the device temporarily in a human client, utilizing it to promote the motor cortex ⎯ the part of the brain responsible for movement ⎯ and creating a hand motion response. They next revealed the gadget interfaces with the brain stably for a 30-day duration in pigs.”Back home, the patient would put on their hat or wearable to power and communicate with the implant, press go on their iPhone or their smartwatch, and then the electrical stimulation from that implant would trigger a neuronal network inside the brain,” Robinson said.Implantation would require a minimally invasive 30-minute treatment that would position the gadget in the bone over the brain.