Korean scientists from the Institute of Fundamental Sciences (IBS) have achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of neurology with the development of Nano-Mind technology (Magnetogenetic Interface for Neurodynamics). This innovative system allows for the remote activation of neural chains in the brain by utilizing a combination of genetics, nanoparticles, and magnetic fields. In a recent mouse experiment, subjects with specially equipped brains displayed various behaviors, such as feeding, social interactions, and parental care.
The Principle of Nano-Mind Technology and Testing
In the past, experiments involving the control of animal brains required the use of electrodes, which limited the freedom of movement for test subjects. Nano-Mind technology overcomes these constraints by enabling the control of specific brain areas through magnetic fields. The lead author of the study, director of the IBS Center, considers this to be the world’s first method of freely managing brain activity with magnetic fields. It is anticipated that this technology will have broad applications in brain research, artificial neural networks, and new approaches to treating neurological disorders.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the Nano-Mind system, researchers conducted three tests. In the initial test, the receptors associated with feeding and reward behaviors were examined in the lateral hypothalamus, a deep brain region. When exposed to magnetic fields, mice with activated excitatory neurons exhibited a 50% reduction in food consumption, whereas those with inhibitory neurons doubled their intake.
Lateral hypothalamus is also linked to pathways responsible for social behavior. In the subsequent test, mice placed with unfamiliar cage mates displayed friendlier behavior under the influence of magnetic fields.
The third test focused on receptors in the medial prefrontal region associated with parental care. Female mice with activated areas responded more promptly to pups’ distress calls and spent more time caring for them when influenced by a magnetic field.
The precise control of neural chains provided by this technology offers researchers a unique opportunity to establish neural pathways and explore novel treatment modalities. In the future, similar nanotechnologies could be utilized to address mental disorders and severe neurological conditions, restoring control over the brain to affected individuals.
The findings of this study have been detailed in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.