"European researchers are taking brain research to the next level by connecting individual neurons with silicon chips.
Proteins which are normally found in the the brain were used as an "adhesive" to connect individual neurons to microchips.
The proteins allowed the neuro-chip's electronic components and its living cells to communicate with each other. Electrical signals from neurons were recorded using the chip's transistors, while the chip's capacitors were used to stimulate the neurons.
The researchers are looking for ways to improve the chip-to-neuron interface and insure that neurons are not damaged in the process. They also are even looking to incorporate genes into the control scheme.
The potential uses for this technology are endless and could lead to advancements in the treatment of neurological disorders or we could even see the rise of organic computing devices."
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As exciting as the possibilities are to it struck me that an opposite approach might also be of value. If the binding techniques could be refined such that a particular cell type could be bound to, targeted, and instead of not harmed be destroyed, this might be turned into a successful technique for killing cancers.
Link
Proteins which are normally found in the the brain were used as an "adhesive" to connect individual neurons to microchips.
The proteins allowed the neuro-chip's electronic components and its living cells to communicate with each other. Electrical signals from neurons were recorded using the chip's transistors, while the chip's capacitors were used to stimulate the neurons.
The researchers are looking for ways to improve the chip-to-neuron interface and insure that neurons are not damaged in the process. They also are even looking to incorporate genes into the control scheme.
The potential uses for this technology are endless and could lead to advancements in the treatment of neurological disorders or we could even see the rise of organic computing devices."
-----------------
As exciting as the possibilities are to it struck me that an opposite approach might also be of value. If the binding techniques could be refined such that a particular cell type could be bound to, targeted, and instead of not harmed be destroyed, this might be turned into a successful technique for killing cancers.
Link
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