BRAINSTORM: Advancing Neurostimulation for Neurological Disorders
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| BRAINSTORM project will develop nano-magnets for neuromodulation |
A multinational initiative, known as BRAINSTORM, unites researchers from the University of Glasgow and partner institutions in Germany, Italy, Spain, and Finland. The project aims to create minuscule magnetic nanomaterials capable of treating an array of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, and depression.
BRAINSTORM's primary goal is to leverage nanotechnology advancements to explore neurostimulation, where neural activity is modulated using electrical currents or magnetic fields. Current neurostimulation methods often involve invasive electrode implantation surgeries. This €3 million venture, supported by the European Innovation Council’s Pathfinder program, will strive to refine treatments through less invasive means.
In this endeavor, engineers from the University of Glasgow will design a helmet-like device to precisely control magnetic nanomaterials in the brain. Rat studies will inject nano-magnets into the bloodstream, followed by targeted neural manipulation using external magnets.
Professor Hadi Heidari, head of Glasgow's contribution to BRAINSTORM, highlighted the potential of neuromodulation for treating various conditions. However, the current approach's invasive nature can be costly, painful, and infection-prone. BRAINSTORM seeks to revolutionize wireless neuromodulation using advancements in magnetic coil nanofabrication, materials science, and medicine.
BRAINSTORM also plans to develop innovative electronics, such as metamaterial solenoid coils, to control neural activity. Additionally, an ultrasound-based delivery system will allow nano-magnets to traverse the blood-brain barrier, avoiding direct cranial injection.
The project's leadership rests with Professor Danijela Gregurec from Germany's Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Collaborators from Spain, Italy, and Finland, including CIC biomaGUNE, Tor Vergata University, and the University of Helsinki, are also contributing to the BRAINSTORM initiative. Prof. Heidari expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative research and its potential to revolutionize patient care.
Tags: BRAINSTORM, neurostimulation, nanotechnology, neurological disorders, University of Glasgow, European collaboration, non-invasive treatment, neural activity, innovative solutions, patient care.
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