Magnetic brain stimulation

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Images show calcium ion influx (right) into neurons as a result of magnetothermal excitation with alternating magnetic fields in the presence of magnetic nanoparticles (credit: MIT)

Summary

New technique could lead to long-lasting localized stimulation of brain tissue without external connections.

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to stimulate brain tissue using external magnetic fields and injected magnetic nanoparticles — a technique allowing direct stimulation of neurons, which could be an effective treatment for a variety of neurological diseases, without the need for implants or external connections.

OnAir Post: Magnetic brain stimulation

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