Projects:2020s1-2110 Radio-Wave Induced Neural-Plasticity

Abstract here

Project Members

Project students

• Luke Smith
• Jaedon Bem

Supervisors

• Dr. Giuseppe Tettamanzi
• Prof. Christophe Fumeaux
• Prof. Mark Hutchinson

Introduction

Radio-Wave Induced Neural Plasticity is a broad project aiming to investigate the effects of Electromagnetic stimulation of neural tissue. Specifically Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on neural tissue regrowth in the presence of a graft antenna.

The graft antenna is a suture-less device that can be implanted in nerves using light (e.g. a low power laser) and is able to stimulate remotely action potentials in nerve and muscles, being powered by a Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The device has a simple design when compared to current stimulators because it does not include circuitry and it functions concurrently as a stimulator and biocompatible conduit for nerve repair (graft). Inside the conduit there is a small metallic loop antenna that stimulates tissue upon TMS irradiation. The graft antenna avoids the usage of separate stimulating electrodes and thus significant shortcomings such as electrode fracture or migration. No clear model explaining the causes of these effects has yet been developed. In this project we are aiming in developing a semi-empirical microscopic modelling that can be used to clarify the causes of the observed microscopic neural effects

Objectives

Set of objectives

Significance

The ability to improve regeneration of neurons can lead to many medical techniques used to improve the quality of life of patients suffering neuropathologies. These would include treatments to muscular weakness, loss of feeling, and chronic pain. If it could be used as a treatment for pain, it could also help fight the opioid epidemic throughout America.

References

[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...