Neural Probe Stimulates Individual Brain Cells

Just a few months ago we reported on the cultivation of individual neurons on a microchip, but now it seems possible to individually study the cells in their natural habitat, i.e. within the brain. Imec, a research institute from Leuven, Belgium, has developed a new neural probe that can sense and stimulate single neurons in the brain. The electrodes of the probe consist of hundreds of small electrodes which can be switched on and off individually. This way it is possible to select unique neurons in the vicinity of the probe for recording and stimulation without having to mechanically move the probe. Potential applications of the probe include fundamental brain research, and also pre- or intraoperative localization of seizure foci for brain surgery.
Press release: Innovative neural probe senses and stimulates individual brain cells…