Wireless, trimodal chip shines light on the brain (IMAGE)
Caption
The new chip is fully wireless. Researchers can power the 5×3 mm2 chip, which has an integrated power receiver coil, by applying an electromagnetic field. The chip is also capable of sending and receiving information wirelessly. The chip is also trimodal, meaning that it can perform three tasks. Current state-of-the-art neural interface chips of this kind can read neural signals in targeted regions of the brain, and they can stimulate the brain by introducing a small electrical current into the brain tissue. The new chip can do both of those things, but it can also shine light onto the brain tissue - a function called optical stimulation. By helping researchers (literally) shine a light on neural tissue, the new chip will help them (figuratively) shine a light on how the brain works.
Credit
Yaoyao Jia, NC State University
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