Category Archives: Neurotechnology

When do you first hear there could be treatment that included neurotechnology?

I still wanted to be a ballet dancer. I would have jumped at anything, just for the opportunity to get my dance career happening again. The brain operation was supposed to fix me. It was an EEG (electroencephalogram), but on the brain, not just on your head. Then there was a tube down your throat to a device in your chest that would gather the data. And there was another a device outside the body that had three lights that would beep and flash red before a seizure. So you knew when its time to go and lie on a couch.

What were your first impressions when you had it fitted?

I didn't like it from the get go, because it was flashing too much for me. I didn't realise how many seizures I was having. The device would beep for me every two seconds. The red light went on, Id take the device out and turn it off, and it just went off again. It made me depressed at university. I didn't tell any of my lecturers that I had it, I started hiding my epilepsy. And the depression got worse and worse and worse.

I felt like there was someone in my head, and it wasn't me. And I just got more and more depressed. I didn't like it at all.

When did you think about getting it removed?

I didn't believe that it was working, because it was going off all the time. I went into hospital, and they checked it, and the device was fine. That's when they realised how many seizures I was actually having. When I realised I was having more than 100 seizures a day, I wanted to throw the thing out the window. I just hated it, and wanted it gone.

With the amount of time it was going off for me, I felt like I had two choices. I could follow the device and rent a hospital bed for life and just lie down forever. Because that's what this device is saying, my life has gone. Or I could throw it out the window and say, I'm going to live my life still, and have a few seizures along the way, but have a life as well.

What advice would you have for other epilepsy patients who are considering neurotechnological treatments?

I would really say to someone who had epilepsy as badly as me, it's not the right thing for you. It will just make you feel like it's not worth living a real life anymore. I think that there needs to be a bigger conversation about the negativity. And there needs to be a lot more said before somebody makes that decision.

But I would say I've heard positive stories as well, from people who felt the treatment changed their lives. For someone who has one seizure every three months, I feel maybe it would help because they could go and sit on a couch. But if youre having as many seizures as me, you've got to think of the negatives as well. You're going to just constantly, suddenly have had this sound coming out of you. You're constantly going to have a someone in your head, and it's not you.

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I felt like there was someone in my head, and it wasn't me. - UNESCO

By Anne Trafton|MIT News Office

The brain and the digestive tract are in constant communication, relaying signals that help to control feeding and other behaviors. This extensive communication network also influences our mental state and has been implicated in many neurological disorders.

MIT engineers have designed a new technology for probing those connections. Using fibers embedded with a variety of sensors, as well as light sources for optogenetic stimulation, the researchers have shown that they can control neural circuits connecting the gut and the brain, in mice.

In a new study, the researchers demonstrated that they could induce feelings of fullness or reward-seeking behavior in mice by manipulating cells of the intestine. In future work, they hope to explore some of the correlations that have been observed between digestive health and neurological conditions such as autism and Parkinsons disease.

The exciting thing here is that we now have technology that can drive gut function and behaviors such as feeding. More importantly, we have the ability to start accessing the crosstalk between the gut and the brain with the millisecond precision of optogenetics, and we can do it in behaving animals, says Polina Anikeeva, the Matoula S. Salapatas Professor in Materials Science and Engineering, a professor of brain and cognitive sciences, director of the K. Lisa Yang Brain-Body Center, associate director of MITs Research Laboratory of Electronics, and a member of MITs McGovern Institute for Brain Research.

Anikeeva is the senior author of thenew study, which appears today inNature Biotechnology. The papers lead authors are MIT graduate student Atharva Sahasrabudhe, Duke University postdoc Laura Rupprecht, MIT postdoc Sirma Orguc, and former MIT postdoc Tural Khudiyev.

Last year, the McGovern Institute launched the K. Lisa Yang Brain-Body Center to study the interplay between the brain and other organs of the body. Research at the center focuses on illuminating how these interactions help to shape behavior and overall health, with a goal of developing future therapies for a variety of diseases.

Theres continuous, bidirectional crosstalk between the body and the brain, Anikeeva says. For a long time, we thought the brain is a tyrant that sends output into the organs and controls everything. But now we know theres a lot of feedback back into the brain, and this feedback potentially controls some of the functions that we have previously attributed exclusively to the central neural control.

As part of the centers work, Anikeeva set out to probe the signals that pass between the brain and the nervous system of the gut, also called the enteric nervous system. Sensory cells in the gut influence hunger and satiety via both the neuronal communication and hormone release.

Untangling those hormonal and neural effects has been difficult because there hasnt been a good way to rapidly measure the neuronal signals, which occur within milliseconds.

To be able to perform gut optogenetics and then measure the effects on brain function and behavior, which requires millisecond precision, we needed a device that didnt exist. So, we decided to make it, says Sahasrabudhe, who led the development of the gut and brain probes.

The electronic interface that the researchers designed consists of flexible fibers that can carry out a variety of functions and can be inserted into the organs of interest. To create the fibers, Sahasrabudhe used a technique called thermal drawing, which allowed him to create polymer filaments, about as thin as a human hair, that can be embedded with electrodes and temperature sensors.

The filaments also carry microscale light-emitting devices that can be used to optogenetically stimulate cells, and microfluidic channels that can be used to deliver drugs.

The mechanical properties of the fibers can be tailored for use in different parts of the body. For the brain, the researchers created stiffer fibers that could be threaded deep into the brain. For digestive organs such as the intestine, they designed more delicate rubbery fibers that do not damage the lining of the organs but are still sturdy enough to withstand the harsh environment of the digestive tract.

To study the interaction between the brain and the body, it is necessary to develop technologies that can interface with organs of interest as well as the brain at the same time, while recording physiological signals with high signal-to-noise ratio, Sahasrabudhe says. We also need to be able to selectively stimulate different cell types in both organs in mice so that we can test their behaviors and perform causal analyses of these circuits.

The fibers are also designed so that they can be controlled wirelessly, using an external control circuit that can be temporarily affixed to the animal during an experiment. This wireless control circuit was developed by Orguc, aSchmidt Science Fellow, and Harrison Allen 20, MEng 22, who were co-advised between the Anikeeva lab and the lab of Anantha Chandrakasan, dean of MITs School of Engineering and the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Using this interface, the researchers performed a series of experiments to show that they could influence behavior through manipulation of the gut as well as the brain.

First, they used the fibers to deliver optogenetic stimulation to a part of the brain called the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which releases dopamine. They placed mice in a cage with three chambers, and when the mice entered one particular chamber, the researchers activated the dopamine neurons. The resulting dopamine burst made the mice more likely to return to that chamber in search of the dopamine reward.

Then, the researchers tried to see if they could also induce that reward-seeking behavior by influencing the gut. To do that, they used fibers in the gut to release sucrose, which also activated dopamine release in the brain and prompted the animals to seek out the chamber they were in when sucrose was delivered.

Next, working with colleagues from Duke University, the researchers found they could induce the same reward-seeking behavior by skipping the sucrose and optogenetically stimulating nerve endings in the gut that provide input to the vagus nerve, which controls digestion and other bodily functions.

Again, we got this place preference behavior that people have previously seen with stimulation in the brain, but now we are not touching the brain. We are just stimulating the gut, and we are observing control of central function from the periphery, Anikeeva says.

Sahasrabudhe worked closely with Rupprecht, a postdoc in Professor Diego Bohorquez group at Duke, to test the fibers ability to control feeding behaviors. They found that the devices could optogenetically stimulate cells that produce cholecystokinin, a hormone that promotes satiety. When this hormone release was activated, the animals appetites were suppressed, even though they had been fasting for several hours. The researchers also demonstrated a similar effect when they stimulated cells that produce a peptide called PYY, which normally curbs appetite after very rich foods are consumed.

The researchers now plan to use this interface to study neurological conditions that are believed to have a gut-brain connection. For instance, studies have shown that autistic children are far more likely than their peers to be diagnosed with GI dysfunction, while anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome share genetic risks.

We can now begin asking, are those coincidences, or is there a connection between the gut and the brain? And maybe there is an opportunity for us to tap into those gut-brain circuits to begin managing some of those conditions by manipulating the peripheral circuits in a way that does not directly touch the brain and is less invasive, Anikeeva says.

The research was funded, in part, by the Hock E. Tan and K. Lisa Yang Center for Autism Research and the K. Lisa Yang Brain-Body Center, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for Materials Science and Engineering, the NSF Center for Neurotechnology, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a National Institutes of Health DirectorsPioneer Award, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Reprinted with permission of MIT News.

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Unraveling Connections Between the Brain and Gut - The Good Men Project

You wake up in the morning and think about having some chocolate scones for breakfast. As soon as you visualise the sweets in your head, your mobile phone sends you a notification: "Craving detected, wouldn't you rather eat something healthier? It sounds like science fiction, but it is just one of the countless applications that neurotechnology will bring us in the coming decades.

Neurotechnology encompasses all technologies developed to understand the brain, visualise its processes and even control, repair or improve its functions. Although electroencephalography is almost a century old, the first major breakthrough in this field has come in recent decades with brain imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. This technique, among other things, has allowed researchers to identify which areas of the brain are activated or deactivated during certain tasks.

From there, neurotechnology has reached other areas that normally go unnoticed, ranging from the development of drugs to treat mental disorders such as depression, insomnia or attention deficit disorder, to technologies dedicated to neurological rehabilitation after cerebrovascular accidents or to hearing recovery with cochlear implants. And this, as we shall see below, has only just begun.

Neurotechnology uses different techniques to record brain activity and stimulate parts of the brain at will. Non-invasive techniques are those that allow action from the outside, while invasive techniques require the implantation of electrodes through surgery.

Among those dedicated to recording brain activity are:

In terms of techniques to stimulate the brain, these are the most commonly used:

Neurotechnology is related to cognitive technologies. According to consulting firm Deloitte, these are technologies derived from artificial intelligence that allow tasks to be performed that previously could only be done by humans. Some examples are artificial vision, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing or robotic process automation, among others.

In particular, the data obtained on the functioning of the brain is used to develop artificial neural networks. For example, the aforementioned machine vision can be used to identify a person's emotions by analysing their facial expressions. In addition, the use of these technologies will also enable further development of neurodidactics, thus improving learning methods and processes.

Below, we review some of the most recent applications:

Using real-time EEG or fMRI, someone can be taught to control their central nervous functions, such as heartbeat.

Behavioural and molecular neuropharmacology are benefiting from a better understanding of the nervous system to develop more effective drugs.

These devices are able to replace motor, sensory or cognitive abilities damaged as a result of injury or disease.

Brain-computer interfaces are fundamental in the development of new sensors and prostheses, allowing signals to be sent and received in real time.

The combination of neurotechnology, genetics and optogenetics allows specific genes in neural tissue to be switched on or off using focused light.

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Neurotechnology: what it is, applications - Iberdrola

Forget Media Manipulation And Misinformation via TikTok And Twitter, Neurotechnology Heralds The New Battle For Our Brains  Forbes

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Forget Media Manipulation And Misinformation via TikTok And Twitter, Neurotechnology Heralds The New Battle For Our Brains - Forbes

Welcome to the Translational NeuroTechnology Laboratory!

In the Jacob lab, we study complex cognitive functions at the level of individual neurons and their networks. Intelligent, goal-directed behavior is produced by the interaction of populations of neurons in the cognitive brain centers such as the prefrontal cortex, the parietal cortex and the basal ganglia. We are particularly interested in how we learn and memorize behaviorally relevant information on multiple time scales, how this information is transformed into purposeful actions, and how neuromodulators such as dopamine regulate the underlying circuits.

We investigate cognitive mechanisms in animal models and in humans. To study specific brain functions, we design and train controlled behavioral tasks. We then combine multiple state-of-the-art techniques in mice, including large-scale extracellular recordings, optogenetic manipulation of defined cell types and networks, fluorescent imaging and computational analysis and modelling. In a unique interdisciplinary approach, we develop and use technologies for recording from populations of individual neurons in human neurosurgical patients. This translational line of research allows us to work towards a deep understanding of the principles of high-level cognitive functioning.

Cognitive functions are impaired in many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Very little is known about the neuronal mechanisms. Our long-term goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the cellular basis of mental health and disease.

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The Jacob Laboratory Translational Neurotechnology

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Experts Come Together In A Play Inspired By Advances In Neurotechnology  India Education Diary

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Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Experts Come Together In A Play Inspired By Advances In Neurotechnology - India Education Diary

For millennia, the human brain has been a largely unexplored frontier. Relative to the whole of human history, studying, understanding, and influencing human thought and consciousness is a radically new endeavor. Only in the twenty-first century has science truly begun to progress far enough into the field of neuroscience for effective neurotechnologies to begin to take shape.

The implications of neurotechnologies for society are vast. From pharmaceuticals that improve quality of life, to brain imaging that revolutionizes our conception of human consciousness, neurotechnologies stand to change our understanding of ourselves and harness the power of the brain and nervous systems myriad functions to promote human thriving.

Although the layperson might not be familiar with the term neurotechnology, in fact these emerging technologies already affect many peoples everyday lives. Neurotechnologies have become widespread in medical contexts, but other uses are on the horizon.

Neurotechnology refers to any technology that provides greater insight into brain or nervous system activity, or affects brain or nervous system function. Neurotechnology can be used purely for research purposes, such as experimental brain imaging to gather information about mental illness or sleep patterns. It can also be used in practical applications to influence the brain or nervous system; for example, in therapeutic or rehabilitative contexts.

Broadly speaking, neurotechnology uses neural interfaces to read or write information into the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS), or the autonomic nervous system (ANS). There are a number of methods to do this, both invasive and noninvasive.

Neurotechnologies fall into the following three categories:

Neurotechnology is already being practically applied in the medical and wellness industries, with many future implications for other contexts including education, workplace management, national security, and even sports. The following are some of the most prominent uses of neurotechnologies today:

Outside the field of neurotechnology, Pharmaceuticals are the most common form of neuro treatment in everyday life. They influence brain chemistry by modulating chemicals and hormones within the brain in situations where the subjects brain does not produce normal amounts of these chemicals on its own. Pharmaceuticals can help treat mental conditions such as depression and anxiety. Cell therapies are another emerging field. Cell therapy seeks to use stem cells to induce the brain to produce new cells in order to heal brain damage or disorders.

Research and development of neurotechnologies has the potential to change the human experience in multiple ways. These technologies could open a number of doors to enhanced mental and physical ability, once researchers are able to overcome neurotechnologys current limitations.

Currently, the greatest potential of neurotechnologies is in their ability to alleviate human suffering through enabling better treatments for mental and neurological disorders, movement disorders and sensory disorders. Innumerable people could benefit from treatments for as-yet unsolved neurological disorders like Alzheimers Disease and multiple sclerosis, as well as psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder and phobias.

Beyond medical applications, neurotechnologies have the potential to elevate human experience and functioning in other ways. For example, these technologies could enhance human learning ability, boost physical performance, and enable efficiencies like brain-controlled devices.

In the future, neurotechnologies could potentially affect almost everyone in society at large. They could be used in applications like the following:

Neuromodulation technology, neuroprostheses technology, and BMI technology currently only have the capability to gather data over time. There is very limited continuous sensing, with limited means of modifying stimulation to the nervous system as needed based on neurofeedback.

This means neurotechnologies are, as yet, unable to perform autonomously and in synthesis with brain signals. Further research and development is needed in order to create a smooth-running closed-loop system that allows the technology to read, write, and modify brain signals simultaneously.

In many ways, neurotechnology is still in its infancy. Yet there is already great potential to use these technologies to positively influence brain activity for a variety of reasons, from disorder treatment and management to accelerated learning.

Although not a neurotechnology, pharmaceuticals are currently the most widely used therapy, with their ability to affect brain chemistry through blocking or stimulating the production of certain hormones that affect mood or cognition.

MRIs and other brain imaging technologies have provided researchers with important brain mapping information. These technologies are also used in clinical settings to measure brain activity based on blood flow or electromagnetic current.

Other neurotechnologies, such as neuromodulation technology, neuroprostheses technology, and BMI technology, have so far provided a rudimentary ability to read and write nervous system activity. However, these technologies require much development before they can be widely used in medical or other applications.

Researchers are currently working on closed-loop neurotechnology systems that can treat neurological, psychiatric and movement disorders. These systems may be able to restore physical movement after an injury or disease of the brain, provide neuroprosthetics or implants to cure neurological disorders like Parkinsons disease, treat memory disorders such as Alzheimers disease or dementia, and relieve psychiatric disorders that reduce quality of life.

Neurotechnology researchers are also focused on creating closed-loop technologies for general consumer applications. For example, next-generation neurotechnologies may be able to speed learning and information retention.

Neurotechnologies with better sensor capabilities are currently in development. Better sensors are important for two reasons: they will have the ability to generate immediate neurofeedback, and they will facilitate better understanding of the downstream effects of stimulation. This will aid researchers in developing more accurate models of how information travels downstream.

In addition, stimulation technologies currently have limited spatial and temporal selectivity. Researchers are currently developing stimulation technologies that can instantly respond to neurofeedback and self-modify as needed.

Overall, researchers are modifying closed-loop neurotechnology systems to be more responsive and autonomous so they can work in tandem with the subjects brain, responding to neurofeedback fluidly.

Since neurotechnologies affect the brainthe center of human consciousnessconsidering ethical and legal questions around agency is paramount. The ethics and legality of neurotechnology still has far to go, and must be a prime consideration moving forward.

Since neurotechnologies have to do with modifying human brain and nervous system activity, there are a number of ethical questions involved. In particular, potential subjects must be informed of the risks of neurotechnologies. Some neurotechnologies, such as intracranial electrode implantationplacing electrodes inside the skull in order to monitor seizureshold a high risk for the subject.

It is essential that researchers and clinicians communicate transparently with subjects in order to create realistic expectations for studies and procedures. In addition, subjects must have a realistic understanding of the potential benefits of a study or procedure for themselves or others.

Finally, neurotechnologies have the potential to influence or change a persons thought patterns or behavior, thus potentially influencing their essential identity. Neurotechnology researchers must weigh this potential to affect identity against the benefits of improved functioning or quality of life.

Safety and reliability are essential considerations when discussing the legal implications of neurotechnologies. Further research is needed in order to establish baseline parameters and expectations for minimal tissue damage, safe implementation techniques, and long-term safety in the use of neurotechnologies. It is also important to know if a device is performing as intended, and provide options to override the technology as needed. Researchers should be aware of these potential issues and consider them during product development.

In addition, data management is an important legal consideration in the neurotechnology field. There does not yet exist a standardized system for data security and privacy, such as guidelines for ownership of patient information, access to such data, and data sharing. Such a system needs to be developed in order to best stay in compliance with the law.

Although neurotechnologies come with ethical and legal risks, many researchers believe their potential to improve quality of life for millions or billions around the globe indicates that the benefits are likely to outweigh the risks.

For instance, in 2014 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched its Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative on the basis that neurotechnologies have the potential to launch a quantum leap in the understanding of brain function and disease. The NIH states its belief that this could facilitate more effective treatments for neurological, mental, and even substance abuse disorders among the global population.

Neurotechnology holds incredible potential to improve many aspects of human life, from treating debilitating diseases to improving efficiency, learning potential, and even physical prowess. However, neurotechnologies are still a relatively young development, and much is yet unknown about their full capabilities, as well as the ethical, legal, and societal implications they may have for society going forward.

To learn more about neurotechnologies, how they work, their applications, and future possibilities, we invite you to read the IEEE Brain white paper Future Neural Therapeutics.

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Neurotechnologies: The Next Technology Frontier | IEEE Brain

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 25, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) Neurotech Reports, the publisher of the Neurotech Business Report newsletter, announced that 12 promising neurotechnology startups and early-stage firms will present at the 2022 Neurotech Leaders Forumin San Francisco, November 7-8. The 22nd annual event the most established in the industry will also feature presentations and panel discussions on important issues confronting the neurotechnology industry.

PHOTO CAPTION: Mudit Jain, Ph.D., a key medtech venture capital investor, will keynote the 2022 Neurotech Leaders Forum in San Francisco.

Mudit Jain, Ph.D., general partner at VC firm Treo Ventures, will keynote the conference. Dr. Jain has more than two decades of medical device industry experience across company formation, R&D, business development, and venture capital, with a global perspective on healthcare based on his experiences in the U.S., Ireland, and India. He is the co-founder of NuXcel, a medical device accelerator, and also serves as chairman of the board of ShiraTronics Inc., a NuXcel spinoff. He received his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University, and his M.B.A. from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

The neurotechnology industry has emerged as one of the most promising areas of healthcare technology, and Neurotech Reports has been following the space longer than any other organization, said James Cavuoto, editor and publisher at Neurotech Reports. This years conference our 22nd annual will offer unique insights for management and investment professionals involved with the industry.

The agenda for this years event includes panel discussions on a number of topics, including sessions devoted to reimbursement, securing funding, the new competitive landscape in neuromodulation, deep-brain stimulation, and neurorehabilitation. New this year is a session devoted to privacy, security, and ethics in neurotechnology.

Among the companies presenting this year are gBrain, a Korean manufacturer of graphene-based brain engineering systems, Motif Neurotech, a Texas developer of compact implanted brain stimulation devices for treating depression, and REVAI, a Canadian manufacturer of AI-powered vagus nerve stimulation systems for learning and wellness applications. Other presenting companies are Neural Dynamics Technologies, NeuroSigma, Roga Life, NXTStim, PathMaker Neurosystems, NeuronOff, WISE Srl, Sana Health, and Zeto Inc.

The Platinum Sponsor at this years event is Cirtec Medical. Micro Systems Technology is the Gold Sponsor. Valtronic and MCRA are Silver Sponsors, and the Cleveland FES Center is Bronze Sponsor.

For more information on attending or sponsoring, contact Neurotech Reports at 415 546 1259 or visit this link: https://neurotechreports.com/pages/leadersforum.html.

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/22-1025-s2p-mudit-jain-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: Mudit Jain, Ph.D., a key medtech venture capital investor, will keynote the 2022 Neurotech Leaders Forum in San Francisco.

News Source: Neurotech Reports

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Twelve Neurotechnology Startups to Present at 2022 Neurotech Leaders ...

The CNT at the University of Washington (UW) sponsors a 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) on the Seattle campus. This programprovides undergraduate students with opportunities to work on research projects withscientists and to take part in workshop training sessions in ethics, communications, and scientific presentation skills designed to provide the undergraduate scientist with a solid foundation for graduate study. Undergraduates will help with research in one of the labs at the UW.

The summer 2023 CNT REU program will start on June 13, 2023 (Tuesday) and end on August 18, 2023 (Friday).

Applications for the summer 2023 REU program are now being accepted. APPLY NOW!

Completed applications are due on January 15, 2023.

REU Program Requirements

You must:

The University of Washington also requires that UW personnel and students be vaccinated against COVID-19.

What participants will receive:

REU Frequently Asked Questions (Updated: October 17, 2022)

If you have additional questions about the REU program, please contact Dr. Eric Chudler, CNT Education Director.

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Research Experience for Undergraduates | Center for Neurotechnology

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Axoft, a neurotechnology company, today launched and announced FDA Breakthrough Device designation for its brain-machine interface (BMI) to better treat neurological disorders. The company secured $8 million in capital to fund pre-clinical studies with the FDA and to scale up prototypes of its neural implants as soft as the brain. The seed round investment, led by The Engine, the venture firm spun out of MIT that invests in early-stage Tough Tech companies, included investors: Ab Initio Capital, Decent Capital, Alumni Ventures, Safar Partners, AIBasis, LiquidMetal VC, Taihill Venture, AMINO Capital, Blindspot Ventures and Mintz. The capital will also be used to expand the Axoft team.

The company was founded in 2021 by CEO Paul Le Floch and CTO Tianyang Ye, alongside Assistant Professor at Harvards School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Jia Liu, PhD. Axofts novel technology was born out of Dr. Lius work developing materials and designs of ultra-flexible nanoelectronics to mimic the mechanical and structural properties of the brain and was further researched by Le Floch while he was completing his PhD at Harvard in Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences. The novel implants they developed are gliosis-free. In other words, the implants can reside in the central nervous system for the long term without harm. Axofts implants also exhibit electrical stability to track brain signals over the long term, and deliver an ultra-high density of sensors to maximize the information that can be exchanged between the brain and electronics.

Technology leaps in the semiconductor industry, development of novel advanced materials, chip design improvements, and progress in minimally invasive surgical approaches have opened opportunities for neurotechnology to be brought into the clinic and really help patients, said Paul Le Floch, Axoft co-founder and CEO. The pursuit of elevated quality of life, compounded by the increasing financial burden of neurological disorders due to an aging population are driving the demand for less invasive, more powerful neurological tools.

A recent report from the World Health Organization estimates that roughly nine million people die each year from neurological disorders, and that 1 in 3 people will develop a neurological disorder at some point in their life, making neurological disorders the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death globally.

Todays BMIs have not been developed to fully exploit the brains potential and are limited by the mechanical mismatch between electronics and brain tissues. Even ultra-thin wires are stiff, unlike brain tissue, and pose the danger of scarring and infection to the local brain region in which they are embedded. Axoft solves this issue by using a bioinspired material, malleable yet resilient, to make high density (large electrode count) probes with long-term stability and biocompatibility in the brain.

Axofts minimally invasive implants create a seamless interface with the nervous system, allowing ultra-high bandwidth and stable, single-neuron measurements. Whereas current implants have limited longevity and ability to track the same neurons in the brain over time, Axoft's implant material enables it to stay functional as the brain shifts or grows, minimizing the need for replacement and offering a long-term BMI to seamlessly connect the brain to electronics. Future applications in neuroprosthetics, like brain-control of man-made systems with large number of degrees of freedom, or real-time speech prediction, and in closed-loop neuromodulation for the treatment of movement disorders, memory loss and epilepsy, require communication with a large number of neurons in the brain. Currently approved systems are limited to 16-96 electrodes, which is not enough to enable these applications, and systems under development that have higher channel count typically sacrifice biocompatibility for bandwidth. Axofts implants are made of materials 10,000x softer than flexible electronics and can embed up to 1024 electrodes in a single strand thinner than a credit card.

Participation in the FDA Breakthrough Devices Program will speed the development, assessment and review of Axoft technology while preserving the standards for premarket approval and clearance for protection of public health. The company will introduce its technology in a staged approach, with the primary focus on improving quality of life; first addressing illnesses that have large patient populations that are underserved by current medical technology as well as diseases such as pediatric CP and epilepsy where patients undergo treatment for life-long conditions.

Axoft also announced The Engines General Partner Reed Sturtevant joined its Board of Directors. Sturtevant said: Axoft is taking a dramatic step forward from the fundamental brain-computer interface technologies and could be relevant for many conditions. This has the potential to be analogous to a pacemaker for the brain - a minimally invasive device that can listen, sense and stimulate a response. Imagine the impact this will have on neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinsons and Alzheimers diseases, seizures and movement disorders.

About AxoftAxofts bioinspired, scalable implant promotes long-term communication with the nervous system - transforming clinical outcomes, individual health, and the human experience. Uniquely engineered, Axofts implant mimics the soft tissues which surround it, while maintaining resilience against the harsh conditions of the brain. This seamless brain-machine interface means less damage to the patient, extended device stability and precise communication with a greater number of neurons. Axoft is redefining health with unparalleled access to neural code. Founder Paul Le Floch received the 2021 Forbes 30 under 30 distinction for Science. Find us online at: https://axoft.us/.

About The EngineThe Engine, spun out of MIT, invests in early-stage companies solving the worlds biggest problems through a convergence of breakthrough science, engineering, and leadership. We accelerate the path to market for Tough Tech companies through the combination of capital, infrastructure, and network. The Engine is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information, visit http://www.engine.xyz.

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Axoft Launches Brain Implant Technology to Treat Long-Term Neurological Disorders and is Granted FDA Breakthrough Device Designation - Business Wire