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UNSW Engineers Develop ‘Optrodes’ to Measure Neural Activity Using Light for Advanced Prosthetics, (from page 20221117.)

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Summary

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed ‘optrodes,’ a new technology that uses light to measure neural activity, offering a promising alternative to traditional electrical electrodes. These optrodes, made from liquid crystal and integrated optics, can register nerve impulses in living animals, potentially revolutionizing medical technologies such as nerve-operated prosthetics and brain-machine interfaces. The team demonstrated that optrodes can effectively record nerve responses comparable to conventional electrodes, while overcoming challenges like impedance mismatch and crosstalk. Future efforts will focus on scaling up optrode connections to handle complex neural networks, aiming to enable prosthetic devices to replicate the dexterity of human hands. Additionally, this technology holds promise for advancing brain-machine interfaces, which aim to connect the brain to external devices. The researchers plan to further explore the bidirectional capabilities of optrodes, allowing them to both read and write neural signals.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Optrode Technology Development of optrodes for measuring neural activity using light instead of electricity. Transition from conventional electrodes to optrode technology for neural interfaces. Widespread use of optrode technology in prosthetics and brain-machine interfaces. Advancements in optical technologies and the need for better neural interfacing solutions. 4
Neural Prosthetics Advancement Potential for prosthetic hands to function similarly to biological hands with optrode integration. Shift from basic prosthetics to advanced, highly functional neural prosthetics. Prosthetics that mimic natural hand function, improving quality of life for users. Desire for enhanced rehabilitation solutions and improved prosthetic technology. 5
Brain-Machine Interfaces Growing interest in connecting the brain to external devices for various applications. Evolution from basic neural interfacing to sophisticated brain-machine interfaces. Integration of brain-machine interfaces into daily life, enabling new capabilities. Ambition to enhance human capabilities and aid those with disabilities. 5
Bidirectional Neural Interfaces Optrodes may allow for two-way communication between the brain and devices. Development of interfaces that can send and receive signals from the brain. Creation of advanced devices that allow for interactive brain-computer communication. Need for more intuitive and responsive neural devices for users. 4
Biotech Investment in Neural Tech Increased investment from companies in brain-computer interface technologies. Shift towards significant funding and research in neural interfacing technologies. A robust market for neural interface technologies with multiple applications. Growing interest in the intersection of biotechnology and artificial intelligence. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Privacy Concerns in Neural Data With advanced brain-machine interfaces, there may be significant risks of unauthorized access to neural data and personal thoughts. 5
Long-term Biocompatibility and Safety The long-term effects of optrodes in living tissues are unknown; potential toxicity, inflammation, or rejection may arise. 4
Dependency on Technology Increased reliance on neural technology could lead to societal issues, such as reduced human capability without devices. 3
Ethical Implications of Brain Augmentation Integrating technology with human cognition raises ethical questions about identity, autonomy, and equality. 4
Data Security Issues As neural interfaces become capable of data transmission, vulnerabilities to hacking or misuse of information could arise. 5
Inequality in Access to Technology Advancements in neural tech could widen the gap between those who can afford enhancements and those who cannot. 4
Regulatory and Compliance Challenges The rapid development of neural technologies may outpace regulatory frameworks, leading to safety and efficacy concerns. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Optrode Development The creation of optrodes to measure neural activity using light instead of electricity, offering advantages in size and signal quality. 5
Dense Neural Connections Ability to connect thousands of optical sensors to nerves, enabling advanced control for prosthetics and brain-machine interfaces. 5
Bidirectional Neural Interfaces Development of optrodes that can both read and write neural signals, enhancing communication between the brain and devices. 5
Integration of Technology and Biology Exploration of integrating optical technologies with biological systems for enhanced neural interfacing capabilities. 4
Advancements in Medical Prosthetics Potential for optical technology to enable prosthetics to function similarly to biological limbs through refined neural control. 5
Neural Interfacing Research Growth Increased focus and investment in neural interfacing technologies, including brain-computer interfaces for medical applications. 4
Biotechnology in Neural Applications Emerging biotech companies pursuing advanced neural technologies to improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities. 4
Neural Activity Measurement Efficiency Improved methods for measuring neural signals with reduced interference and higher fidelity using optical techniques. 5

Technologies

name description relevancy
Optrodes A new sensor technology that measures neural activity using light instead of electricity, allowing dense connections to biological tissues. 5
Brain-Machine Interfaces Technologies aimed at connecting the brain to machines, potentially enabling control of devices and enhancing human capabilities. 5
Neural Prosthetics Advanced prosthetic devices that can interact with the nervous system to replicate biological functions with precision. 5

Issues

name description relevancy
Optrode Technology in Neural Engineering The development of optrodes represents a significant advancement in measuring neural activity, potentially transforming prosthetics and brain-machine interfaces. 5
Challenges in Neural Interfacing Current technologies face issues such as impedance mismatch and crosstalk, hindering the scalability of neural connections for advanced applications. 4
Bidirectional Neural Interfaces The future development of devices that can both read and write neural signals could revolutionize brain-machine interactions and prosthetic function. 5
Neural Prosthetics Advancements Research into the number of neural connections needed for prosthetic function could lead to more sophisticated and capable artificial limbs. 4
Integration of AI with Brain Technology The ambition to connect AI with brain functions, as pursued by companies like Neuralink, could reshape human-computer interaction and cognitive enhancement. 4
Ethical Implications of Neural Technology As brain-machine interfaces become more feasible, ethical considerations regarding privacy, consent, and human enhancement will become increasingly important. 3