by Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a significant breakthrough in the field of neurology by developing flexible and sensitive robotic nerve cuffs. These innovative devices, which combine the principles of flexible electronics and soft robotics, hold the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of various neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, chronic pain, and the control of prosthetic limbs.
Traditional tools used for interfacing with peripheral nerves, the 43 pairs of motor and sensory nerves that connect the brain and the spinal cord, are often outdated, bulky, and pose a high risk of nerve injury. In contrast, the Cambridge team’s robotic nerve cuffs are designed to gently grasp or wrap around delicate nerve fibers without causing any harm.
During tests on rats, the researchers discovered that the nerve cuffs only require minute voltages to change shape in a controlled manner, forming a self-closing loop around nerves without the need for surgical sutures or adhesives.
The team believes that the integration of soft electrical actuators with neurotechnology could pave the way for minimally invasive monitoring and treatment for a wide range of neurological conditions. Their findings were published in the journal Nature Materials.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research.
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