REVOLUTION IN THE BRAIN
MAGNETS so tiny they are invisible to the naked eye are leading a revolution in the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
If successful, the new technique for treating neurological diseases could replace existing methods which involve invasive, sometimes painful, and costly surgery.
Researchers working on project BRAINSTORM will develop nanoscale magnets that can be injected into the bloodstream and then guided to positions in the brain where they could help to repair damage.
It is hoped the research could help develop treatments – or even cures – for
such conditions as depression, panic attacks, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Over the next four years, a team from the University of Glasgow, together with partners in Germany, Italy, Spain and Finland, will develop the BRAINSTORM technology.
Neurostimulation is already being used to treat a variety of brain-related disorders but presently has several drawbacks.
Hadi Heidari, a professor of nanoelectronics leading the work in Glasgow, said current procedures “can require invasive surgeries to implant electrodes, which can be expensive, painful and expose patients to an increased risk of infection”.
He and his team are developing a wearable, helmet-like device that will use magnets to precisely target the repair work going on in the brain.
Professor Heidari said: “BRAINSTORM is an exciting new opportunity to rethink how wireless neuromodulation is delivered.”
He added: “I’m looking forward to developing some of the key technologies which will help patients benefit from new treatments in the years to come.”
The project is being supported with £2.5million from the European Innovation Council’s Pathfinder programme, which provides funding for researchers to develop emerging breakthrough technologies.