Magnetoelectric nanoparticles stimulate mouse brains

New Scientist : Researchers have succeeded in manipulating electric waves in the brains of mice through the use of magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENs), which produce an electric field in response to an external magnetic field. Sakhrat Khizroev of Florida International University in Miami and colleagues inserted 20 billion MENs into the mice and used an oscillating magnet to induce the particles to interact electrically with neurons in the brains of the mice. Computer control enabled the researchers to stimulate specific regions in the brains of the mice. Because the nanoparticles respond differently to different frequencies, they can be used to perform different tasks, such as to release a specific drug into a specific neuron. The research could lead to the treatment of a host of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, in a way that is both wireless and minimally invasive.