Seongjun Park and Alex Senko, MIT

To understand the mechanism underlying the function and dynamics of the nervous system, it is essential to develop the techniques capable of modulating and recording a diversity of signals employed by neurons. However, current approaches are limited in terms of effectiveness, side effects, or mechanical invasiveness due to its bulky body. Consequently, there is a need for new biocompatible devices or materials allowing for minimally invasive manipulation with monitoring of neural activity. Our talk will introduce two complementary strategies to address these challenges: (1) Flexible and stretchable fiber-based probes for interfacing with the brain and spinal cord; (2) Wireless magneto-thermal/mechanical technique for deep brain stimulation. These technologies enabling the interrogation with neural circuits across their diverse signaling modalities without inducing a foreign-body reaction helps the study of information processing as well as pathologies of the nervous system.