Researchers invent tiny, light-powered wires to modulate brain’s electrical signals

The rod at top right is positioned to modify electrical signaling between the neurons. The entire image is smaller than the diameter of a single human hair. The human brain largely remains a black box: How the network of fast-moving electrical signals turns into thought, movement and disease remains poorly understood. But it is electrical, so it can be hacked-the question is finding a precise, easy way to manipulate electrical signaling between neurons. A new University of Chicago study shows how tiny, light-powered wires could be fashioned out of silicon to provide these electrical signals. Published Feb. 19 , the study offers a new avenue to shed light on-and perhaps someday treat-brain disorders.