META-BRAIN

CHALLENGE

Pathological alterations of neurological function, such as disorders of consciousness, stroke, epilepsy, depression, Parkinson’s Disease or traumatic brain injury, are commonly associated with alterations in brain rhythms and activity patterns. These neuropsychiatric diseases have the prevalence of 180 million people per year in the European Union and it is increasing every year. Consequently, there is a pressing clinical demand for treatments capable of accurately controlling and restoring neural activity.

SOLUTION

META-BRAIN is dedicated to achieving precise control over brain activity patterns by employing two innovative strategies: magnetoelectric nanoparticles and ultrasound remote brain stimulation. In order to improve spatial resolution beyond current technologies, META-BRAIN will explore the use of cutting-edge nanotechnologies like graphene micro-transistors and advanced innovations such as capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers. These methods will be tested with biological samples using minimally invasive techniques.

IMPACTS

META-BRAIN’s minimally invasive approaches could significantly impact the treatment of various prevalent medical conditions associated with altered electrical activity in neuronal tissue, such as consciousness disorders, stroke, epilepsy, depression, Parkinson’s Disease and traumatic brain injury. Also, META-BRAIN will generate high-quality novel insights and pave the way for advancements in the research and technology of stimulating brain tissue activity.