A groundbreaking development in the field of neural implants has emerged from the University of Cambridge, offering new hope for paralysis patients and those with movement disorders. Researchers have developed a novel neural implant that combines flexible electronics and human stem cells to restore limb function, addressing the challenges of previous attempts that often resulted in scar tissue formation around electrodes.
The key to the device’s success lies in its innovative design. By combining flexible electronics with human stem cells, the implant better integrates with the nerve and drives limb function. The stem cells, reprogrammed into muscle cells, are placed on the electrode, creating a layer that enhances the device’s functionality. This approach allows for better resolution and long-term monitoring inside a living organism, as the body does not recognize the electrodes but instead sees the cells, preventing scar tissue formation.