Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed origami-inspired electrodes that can expand to cover a larger brain area through a small surgical incision, offering a safer and more efficient way to diagnose and treat epilepsy.
The foldable brain electrodes can accurately detect and record brain activity, as shown in pig tests, and have the potential to restore lost functions associated with movement, sensation, vision, and speech in patients.
This technology could significantly reduce the amount of brain surgery needed for epilepsy patients, cut recovery times, and lower infection risk, potentially benefiting other patient groups and conditions affecting brain functions.
Independent experts have hailed the new technique as "exciting" and offering "real hope" for patients.
Trials in UK patients with refined electrodes are expected to start within two years. The technology offers the potential to restore brain function that has been lost and could be used to diagnose and treat other conditions causing brain seizures.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: Oxford Mail, Notiulti, Daily Mail, Yahoo News, Express and Star