11/21/2011 PERMALINK
Lab tweaked stem cells can produce neurons for direct brain to computer interface. In a major advance towards brain/machine interface, researchers have tweaked lab modded stem cells to produced neuronal communicators and successfully implanted them in mouse brains. The new study opens the door to the potential for clinicians to deploy light-based stimulation technology to manipulate transplanted tissue and cells. A new technology known as optogenetics, can use light, instead of electric current, to stimulate the activity of the neurons. Allow for a noninvasive communication connection with only engineered neurons, instead of embedded wires, handling the part of the connection inside the brain.