The human brain is an incredibly complex system. Each neuron receives thousands of inputs from other neurons through synapses, but how these signals are integrated remains unknown. Traditional methods rely on electrical stimulation and recording, but this has limitations, such as noise and a lack of precision.
Photonic microchip
The ELEANOR project proposes an innovative solution: a photonic microchip that uses light instead of electricity. This microchip, developed in collaboration with Dr Imran Avci at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, features a network of submicron-sized optical fibres, allowing neurons to be grown directly on it. Using laser light and optogenetics, a technique that makes neurons responsive to light, scientists can stimulate extremely precise. Furthermore, this study uses human derived stem cell-derived neurons, making them more representative of human brain function.
"With this new approach, we can study human neuronal processing in ways that were previously impossible," says Richard van Wezel. "By using light instead of electricity, we can stimulate neurons at highly specific locations and track their responses with exceptional accuracy."
The picture below shows the photonic microchip:
