MIT's brain implants may treat diseases—no surgery needed
MIT scientists have invented Circulatronics, a platform using tiny wireless brain implants that can help treat neurological diseases without any surgery.
These bioelectronic devices, called SWEDs, are built from special polymers and metals and are small enough to be injected.
How do they work?
SWEDs team up with immune cells to cross the blood-brain barrier—a big deal since most treatments can't get through.
Once inside the brain, they find inflamed areas linked to disorders and deliver electrical pulses to adjust neural activity, all without hurting healthy cells.
Why does it matter?
This tech could make treating conditions like Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, strokes, or spinal injuries much safer and more affordable than current surgical implants.
The team aims to begin clinical trials within three years through MIT's startup Cahira Technologies—and researchers are already working on even smarter versions for the future.