-
Ultrasound Enables Less-Invasive Brain–Machine Interfaces
Brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) are devices that can read brain activity and translate that activity to control an electronic device like a prosthetic arm or computer cursor. Many BMIs require invasive surgeries to implant electrodes into the brain in order to read neural activity. However, in 2021, Caltech researchers developed a way to read brain activity […]
-
Newly Discovered Brain Circuit Controls An Aversion to Salty Tastes
Having the right amount of sodium in your body is so crucial, in fact, that parts of your brain work hard to make sure you’re getting the salt that you need. If you’ve ever been hit by a sudden craving for potato chips, that may have been your brain at work. On the other hand, […]
-
A key to assembling materials on the surface of live neurons
Summary Anqi Zhang, a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford, transitioned from building brain implants to mastering genetic engineering. In collaboration with Professors Zhenan Bao and Karl Deisseroth, Zhang developed a protein complex that helps neurons assemble conductive materials, potentially changing their sensitivity and creating new electrical connections. By using cellular machinery, Zhang overcame challenges in enzyme […]
