Neural recording:
Neural recordings can be performed by placing electrodes directly onto the nervous tissue or by using non-invasive methods such as electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG).
- Electrodes: Microelectrodes can be implanted directly into the brain to detect and record the electrical signals generated by neurons, known as action potentials. These signals can be processed to provide information about the activity of individual neurons or neuronal populations.
- EEG and MEG: Electroencephalography (EEG) measures electrical activity across the scalp, while magnetoencephalography (MEG) measures magnetic fields generated by electrical activity in the brain. These non-invasive methods can record brain activity at a lower resolution than microelectrodes but offer the advantage of being able to measure activity over larger areas and without requiring physical contact with the brain.
Neural stimulation:
Neurons can be stimulated electrically using microelectrodes or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
- Microelectrodes: Microelectrodes can be used to deliver precise electrical pulses to individual neurons or to larger groups of neurons. This stimulation can be used to excite neurons, modulate their activity, or interfere with their function.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS uses a magnetic coil placed over the scalp to generate magnetic fields that can induce electrical currents in the brain. TMS can stimulate or inhibit neural activity in specific brain areas non-invasively and is often used for research purposes and in clinical settings, particularly for treating neurological conditions such as depression and pain.
Other applications:
In addition to recording and stimulating neurons, neuroelectronics can also be used to:
- Monitor brain activity in real-time: This information can be used to diagnose and treat brain disorders, and to develop new brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).
- Modulate brain activity: Neuroelectronics can modulate brain activity to treat neurological disorders and to enhance human performance.
- Create artificial intelligence (AI) systems that mimic the brain: This field is known as neuromorphic computing, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about computers.
The development of neuroelectronics devices is important for understanding the brain, developing new therapies for neurological disorders, and creating new technologies with the possibility to positively impact our daily lives and address a range of challenges in healthcare, neuroscience, and computing.