Magnets: The New Way to Control the Brain?
Updated: Oct 5
Imagine switching brain circuits on and off using only magnetic fields. Researchers have just developed a cutting-edge gene therapy that does exactly that—without any implants or invasive surgery.
Traditionally, methods like optogenetics required fiber-optic implants to control neurons with light. Recently, a team from Weill Cornell Medicine, Rockefeller University, and the Icahn School of Medicine has created a simpler, non-invasive solution. This new approach, called "magnetogenetics", uses magnetic fields to activate or deactivate neurons engineered with special ion channels.
The scientists deliver engineered ion channels to specific brain regions, like the movement-control center in mice. When exposed to a magnetic field—similar to those from MRI scanners or even more affordable transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices—the ion channels open or close, controlling neuron activity. The experiment results showed that mice's movements were either slowed down or temporarily stopped, and in a Parkinson’s disease model, motor symptoms improved.
This breakthrough could pave the way for new treatments for conditions like Parkinson’s, depression, and chronic pain, all with fewer side effects and more precision. Plus, with no safety issues reported, the technology looks promising for clinical use.
Created: Oct 15th, 2024
Citations:
Schnabel, J. (2024, October 14). Magnetically regulated gene therapy tech offers precise brain-circuit control | Cornell Chronicle. Cornell Chronicle; Cornell University.
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