by Natasha Bhatt / May 11, 2024
A development from Cambridge University has the potential to completely change the way spinal injuries are treated. This involves their invention of the flexible electronic implants that surround the spinal cord. This innovation came to be with the collaboration between engineers, neuroscientists and surgeons.
Traditional approaches to treating spinal injuries sometimes involve intrusive techniques that include implantations of electrons in the brain or spinal cord. However, these approaches have inherent risks and they might not always provide the best results. Contrary to the traditional approaches, Cambridge’s implants provide a safer option with monitoring and stimulation capabilities.
The implants are crafted with biocompatible materials and advanced fabrication techniques which are very thin, measuring only a millionths of a meter. Despite being small, they are able to capture nerve impulses traveling from the brain to the spinal cord with an unprecedented level of accuracy. A key advantage is the implant's 360° recording capability enables a holistic understanding of spinal cord activity. They have shown promise in the experimental models for monitoring nerve impulses and stimulation of limb movement. The implants advances provide hope to those suffering from total spinal cord injuries.
Beyond its immediate uses in treating spinal injuries, these implants have the potential to improve our knowledge of the complex mechanisms underlying the spinal cord. These implants could allow opportunities for new treatments for many different conditions. While this research still continues, implications of this research are profound and offer a glimpse of a future without paralysis.
Read more about the specifics of this research using this link: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adl1230
Citations:
Cambridge, U. of. (2024, May 8). Cambridge’s flexible implants promise new hope for paralysis patients. SciTechDaily. https://scitechdaily.com/cambridges-flexible-implants-promise-new-hope-for-paralysis-patients/
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