A new method of treatment of these diseases was found – 2024-05-06 17:00:09

Researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a new method of affecting brain cells that will treat epilepsy and autism.

Publika.az reports that the study was published in the journal “Science Advances”.

Optogenetics – the use of light to stimulate or inhibit neurons – is the most promising method for the treatment of diseases caused by excessive or insufficient excitation of neurons. However, modern optogenetic methods can change the excitability of neurons only for a short time. As soon as the light goes off, the neurons return to their original state.

Thanks to the development of flexible nanoelectrical implants, light exposure can be made permanent by implanting a device into the brain. The authors of the new study used light-sensitive molecules that can form insulating or conductive membranes in neurons. At this time, in the first case, the excitability of the neuron increased, and in the second case, it decreased.

Ayshan Rahim