A tiny, flexible electronic device that wraps around the spinal cord could represent a new approach to the treatment of spinal injuries, which can cause profound disability and paralysis.
May 8 2024University of Cambridge
Most current approaches to treating spinal injuries involve both piercing the spinal cord with electrodes and placing implants in the brain, which are both high-risk surgeries. The Cambridge-developed devices could lead to treatments for spinal injuries without the need for brain surgery, which would be far safer for patients.
The ability to monitor signals going to and from the spinal cord could dramatically aid in the development of treatments for spinal injuries, and could also be useful in the nearer term for better monitoring of the spinal cord during surgery. Related StoriesThe Cambridge-developed biocompatible devices – just a few millionths of a meter thick – are made using advanced photolithography and thin film deposition techniques, and require minimal power to function.
The devices were implanted using an adaptation to routine surgical procedure so they could be slid under the spinal cord without damaging it. In tests using rat models, the researchers successfully used the devices to stimulate limb movement. The devices showed very low latency – that is, their reaction time was close to human reflexive movement. Further tests in human cadaver models showed that the devices can be successfully placed in humans.
Brain Brain Surgery Chronic Chronic Pain Disability Inflammation Nerve Pain Paralysis Research Spine Surgery
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Businesses can benefit from flexible working policies that go beyond new law: Rebecca DixonAfter a lengthy period of anticipation, The Employment Rights (Flexible Working) Act 2023 became law on April 6.
Read more »
Money latest: My employer rejected my request for flexible work after maternity leaveA new mother contacted us asking about her employment rights after maternity leave - and we've enlisted the help of a legal expert. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finances news in the Money blog - and share your own Money Problem in the form below.
Read more »
Money latest: My employer rejected my request for flexible work after maternity leaveA new mother contacted us asking about her employment rights after maternity leave - and we've enlisted the help of a legal expert. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finances news in the Money blog - and share your own Money Problem in the form below.
Read more »
Eurostar launches new ‘flexible’ tickets and it’s good news for passengers...Flight cancelled or delayed? Top tips for handling travel disruptions
Read more »
A flexible microdisplay that can monitor brain activity in real-time during brain surgeryResearchers have created a thin film that combines an electrode grid and LEDs that can both track and produce a visual representation of the brain's activity in real-time during surgery—a huge improvement over the current state of the art.
Read more »
‘Flexible’ Liverpool star ‘attracts’ Bayern Munich amid ‘fantastic offer’ from Saudi ArabiaBayern Munich are 'attracted' by a move for Liverpool star this summer but face competition from Saudi Arabia for his services.
Read more »