Scientists use magnetic fields to remotely stimulate brain -- and control body movements: The minimally invasive technique could lead to advances in mapping the brain and treating neurological disease
University at Buffalo
There is a lot of work being done now to map the neuronal circuits that control behavior and emotions, says lead researcher Arnd Pralle, PhD, a professor of physics in the University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences. advertisement Magneto-thermal stimulation involves using magnetic nanoparticles to stimulate neurons outfitted with temperature-sensitive ion channels. The brain cells fire when the nanoparticles are heated by an external magnetic field, causing the channels to open. advertisement How magneto-thermal stimulation works Magneto-thermal stimulation enables researchers to use heated, magnetic nanoparticles to activate individual neurons inside the brain. An advance over other methods, like optogenetics Pralle has been working to advance magneto-thermal stimulation for about a decade.