Neuroprosthetics: new findings on brain-body interactions
Identify new brain areas that could be used as “anchor points” for neuroprostheses
The Mnesys project, the largest brain research programme ever carried out in Italy, is revolutionising the field of neuroprosthetics. These innovative technologies, which connect the brain directly to external devices, offer new hope for millions of people with motor disabilities caused by spinal cord injury, stroke or other neurodegenerative diseases.
Decoding the language of the brain
One of the main aims of the Mnesys project is to gain an ever deeper understanding of the brain and its interactions with the body. In particular, researchers are focusing on the study of brain areas involved in movement control and sensory information processing.
Identify new areas of the brain
A research group coordinated by Patrizia Fattori, Professor of Physiology at the University of Bologna, has taken a significant step in this direction. Through in-depth studies, researchers have identified new brain areas that could be used as “anchor points” for neuroprostheses. These findings pave the way for the development of devices that can interpret neural signals and translate patient intentions into concrete actions.
Future challenges and prospects
Despite the progress achieved, there are still many challenges to be faced before neuroprostheses become a widespread clinical reality. These include the following:
- Miniaturization of devices: It is necessary to develop devices that are smaller and less invasive, able to be implanted in the brain safely and durably
- The brain-computer interface: The interface that allows the brain to communicate with the device must be increasingly precise and reliable
- The resolution of ethical issues: The use of neuroprostheses raises important ethical questions, related to privacy, security and autonomy of people
However, the future prospects are very promising. Thanks to technological advances and new scientific knowledge, neuroprostheses could revolutionise the lives of millions of people by giving them back their autonomy and ability to interact with the world around them.
Applications of neuroprostheses
The potential applications of neuroprostheses are very wide and go far beyond the treatment of motor disabilities. These technologies could be used to:
- Restoring the sense of touch: People who have lost their sense of touch may regain the ability to perceive textures and temperatures through neuroprostheses implanted in their fingers
- Improve cognitive abilities: Neuroprostheses could be used to treat disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, improving cognitive and motor functions
- Increase human capacity: In the future, neuroprostheses could be used to enhance the cognitive and physical capacities of humans by opening up science fiction scenarios
Sources and images