Sensor Swarm: Advanced sensors will measure brain activity

Advancements in technology have already turned the impossible into halfway possible. Scientists are constantly devising new techniques to assist healthcare professionals. Neuralink, the much talked about device comprises a super powered chip that can be used for translation of brain activities.

Brain readings are usually taken to detect the presence of cyst, tumour or any other brain abnormality. Positron Emission tomography, Neuroimaging, functional magnetic resource imaging (fMRI) and MRI are used for checking the brain readings. Scientists also use EEG (Electroencephalography) for the measurement of brain waves. 

Taking neuroscience research a step further researchers at University of California have devised a unique approach for taking brain readings. This unique approach works through tiny nanosensors. 

 

Nanosensors known as NeuroSWARM3, are monitored through an injection in the bloodstream. Nanosensors surpass the highly protective brain cell wall, after passing through the cell wall sensors track and record the brain’s activities via light. 

 

NeuroSWARM sensors are very tiny. They change the brain's electrical signals into optical signals. Light based measurements can be evaluated and read via near infrared light. On account of nanosensors' advanced capabilities, they can function without any specific power source or wiring. 

 

These nanosensors can be injected into the bloodstream . They can also be injected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) {fluid surrounding the brain}. For a more in depth understanding of the brain researchers are trying to measure dopamine and serotonin levels. 

 

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Dopamine

 

Dopamine is a chemical that exists inside the human body. Dopamine plays an important role in connecting brain signals to the body movements. It acts as a link between the duo. Dopamine controls the body's energy levels and emotional responses. It plays a dominant role in controlling the body's actions. 

 

Serotonin

 

Serotonin is a key hormone that controls the mood, feelings, and behaviour of human beings. This hormone affects the entire body. It draws a fine link between brain and muscle cells. Highly complex chemical controls anxious, happy, and moody feelings that exist in every human. 

 

Measurement of dopamine and serotonin will provide more valuable insights to the researchers. It can help in the development of better neural therapies, and implants. 

 

As reported by Freethink lead author A. Ali Yanik said,  “We are just at the beginning stages of this novel technology, but I think we have a good foundation to build on,” Our next goal is to start experiments in animals.”