Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

September 7, 2008 6:06:33 AM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Sea Slugs Inspire New Brain Implant Technology

Posted Mar 7, 08 7:17 AM CST in Technology,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Sure, it’s a warty creepy-crawly that lurks at the bottom of the ocean, but the sea cucumber has inspired scientists to create a new material that could be used in implanted brain electrodes to help people with Parkinson’s disease, reports the BBC. The creature stiffens its skin when faced with an enemy and reverts to its soft self just as easily. Scientists hope the new material, which mimics that variability, will remain hardened during implantation in a human brain, then soften in the body.

The still-unnamed material consists of naturally occurring nanofibres, or "whiskers," embedded in a polymer, according to a description in the journal Science. It softens in water, which is particularly important for use in the brain, which is 75% water. Researchers believe the implants could help stroke victims or people with Parkinson’s disease or spinal cord injuries more effectively than current devices because the implant would more closely resemble the soft tissue of the brain.

Source BBC

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Pesticides Linked to Parkinson's

    Mar 30, 08 2:18 PM CDT
    Pesticides Linked to Parkinson's People exposed to pesticides ran a 1.6 times higher risk of developing the neurological disease Parkinson’s, reports a new study of 600 participants. "Recreational pesticide use in the home and garden was more of a source of exposure than occupational use,” says one researcher. Experts now say the link is highly likely, though in combination with other, largely genetic factors, reports the BBC. More »

The sea cucumber has inspired scientists with its quick-change act.   (Earth Life Forms)
The sea cucumber has inspired scientists with its quick-change act.   (Flickr)
The sea cucumber has inspired scientists with its quick-change act.   (Flickr)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Related links

Threads (1 of 1)

Tags

brain  • stroke  • Parkinson's disease  • health research  • scientific breakthroughs  • neurological disorder  • implant  • spinal cord


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular


Other Science & Health Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »