Scientists have created a wireless brain chip called MOTE, smaller than a grain of rice. It catches brain signals and sends them through infrared light. After successful testing on rats, it is being considered a major success in neurotechnology.
Scientists have made a new discovery that can change the future of neurotechnology. Researchers have created a brain implant chip that is smaller than a grain of rice. This chip can be implanted in the human brain, from where it catches electrical signals and sends them out through infrared light. This discovery is being considered a major success in the world of neurotechnology. The name of this device is Microscale Optoelectronics Tetherless Electrode (MOTE). It is the smallest wireless brain implant ever made. Cornell University researcher Alyosha Molnar, who created this chip, said that this is the smallest device ever made that can measure brain activity and send it wirelessly.
What is a brain implant chip?
A brain implant chip is a small computer chip that is surgically implanted in the human brain. The purpose of this chip is to connect the brain directly to computers and other electronic devices, so that even severely paralyzed or disabled people can control computers using only their mind. This chip reads the neural signals emanating from the brain and converts them into digital commands. This makes it possible to move the cursor, play games, or type.
How small is this chip?
The length of this chip is about 300 microns and width is 70 microns. In simple words, this chip is as thin as a human hair. This chip converts brain signals into light, which passes through brain tissue and reaches a receiver. Researchers were working on this chip since 2001. It took scientists about 20 years to make this a reality.
How does this chip work?
This chip is made of a special material called Aluminum Gallium Arsenide. It sends data through light and also takes energy from the same light. It uses a technology that sends data through pulses of light. This is the same technology that is used in satellite communication.
The experiment conducted on rats was successful
This chip was first tested on cells grown in the lab. Later it was implanted in the part of the brain of rats that processes the information received from their whiskers. These tests showed that the chip accurately recorded brain signals for more than a year and the mice remained completely healthy.
wireless technology
Existing brain chips or electrodes do not work with tests like MRI. Additionally, they can sometimes damage brain tissue. At the same time, the Microscale Optoelectronics Tetherless Electrode (MOTE) chip is made of material that is safe for MRI and does not cause any harm to the brain. Since it is wireless, it does not require any wires, which eliminates the possibility of infection.
Scientists believe that this technique can be beneficial not only for the brain but also for the spinal cord and other delicate parts of the body. In the future, this technique could be used to implant synthetic skull plates or record signals from other tissues. Researchers also say that this technology will help in creating such small wireless devices in the future that can stay inside the body for a long time and can monitor the functioning of the brain and nervous system.