New Technology How Magnets Can Control Your Brain

Researchers at the Center for Nanomedicine within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and Yonsei University in South Korea have developed an exciting new technology that could revolutionize our understanding of the brain. This innovative technology uses magnetic fields to control specific regions of the brain, potentially unlocking the secrets of complex brain functions like cognition, emotion, and motivation.

Introducing Nano-MIND Technology

The new technology, called Nano-MIND (Magnetogenetic Interface for NeuroDynamics), is the world’s first of its kind. It allows scientists to wirelessly and precisely control specific deep brain neural circuits using magnetism.

How It Works

The human brain is incredibly complex, with over 100 billion neurons connected in an intricate network. Controlling these neural circuits is essential for understanding high-level brain functions and diagnosing brain disorders. The Nano-MIND technology uses magnetic fields and tiny magnetized nanoparticles to activate specific brain circuits. By expressing nano-magnetoreceptors in targeted neurons and using rotating magnetic fields, scientists can control neural activity with great precision.

Key Findings

• Maternal Behavior: The technology was first tested on non-maternal female mice by activating inhibitory GABA receptors in the medial preoptic area (MPOA), which controls maternal behaviors. The mice began displaying nurturing behaviors, similar to maternal mice, such as bringing pups to their nest.
• Feeding Behavior: The technology was also used to influence feeding behaviors. By targeting motivation circuits in the lateral hypothalamus, researchers could increase or decrease appetite in mice. Activating inhibitory neurons increased feeding behaviors by 100%, while activating excitatory neurons reduced appetite by over 50%.

Potential Impact

Nano-MIND technology can selectively activate brain circuits to modulate complex brain functions. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for understanding brain functions, developing advanced brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), and creating new treatments for neurological disorders.

Future Applications

Director CHEON Jinwoo of the Center for Nanomedicine highlighted the potential of this technology: This is the world’s first technology to freely control specific brain regions using magnetic fields. We expect it to be widely used in research to understand brain functions, sophisticated artificial neural networks, two-way BCI technologies, and new treatments for neurological disorders.

Publication

This groundbreaking study was published in Nature Nanotechnology on July 2, 2023.

With the development of Nano MIND, scientists are closer than ever to unlocking the mysteries of the brain and improving treatments for brain disorders.

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