Monitoring brain activity for timely medication release
Michael Tanzer, 2016
Israeli scientists have demonstrated a method of analyzing brain activity for signs of an impending episode associated with a mental disorder, prior to the incident actually occurring. When an impending episode is detected, drugs are released to prevent the flare-up from taking place.
In this setup scientists place an EEG cap on the subject’s head to record their brain activity. An application, developed to analyze the recorded brain activity determines if an episode is due to occur. It has been demonstrated that the application can detect the prodromal phase of a psychotic episode, such as a schizophrenia episode, prior to the episode's actual onset.
In the Israeli approach the appropriate drugs will have already been ingested by the subject in the form of small protected capsules that will be circulating in the body. The capsules containing the drugs are called "nanobots," which are small DNA capsules, that have micro “gates” that will open up to release the drugs when they receive a signal from the system.
The use of the nanobots to release drugs upon transmitted signals has only been tested on animals. The EEG cap will have to be miniaturized so it can be worn unobtrusively by an individual and the algorithms that analyze the brain signals and the use of nanobots will require extensive testing in human subjects. There is therefore considerable new development and testing that must be completed before this system can be safely used on humans. However the concept provides us with an exciting look at a potential medical advance that may be available in the foreseeable future and provide benefits in the treatment of mental disorders.
For further information see: Israeli scientists use nanobots and thoughts to control when drugs are administered.
Israeli scientists have demonstrated a method of analyzing brain activity for signs of an impending episode associated with a mental disorder, prior to the incident actually occurring. When an impending episode is detected, drugs are released to prevent the flare-up from taking place.
In this setup scientists place an EEG cap on the subject’s head to record their brain activity. An application, developed to analyze the recorded brain activity determines if an episode is due to occur. It has been demonstrated that the application can detect the prodromal phase of a psychotic episode, such as a schizophrenia episode, prior to the episode's actual onset.
In the Israeli approach the appropriate drugs will have already been ingested by the subject in the form of small protected capsules that will be circulating in the body. The capsules containing the drugs are called "nanobots," which are small DNA capsules, that have micro “gates” that will open up to release the drugs when they receive a signal from the system.
The use of the nanobots to release drugs upon transmitted signals has only been tested on animals. The EEG cap will have to be miniaturized so it can be worn unobtrusively by an individual and the algorithms that analyze the brain signals and the use of nanobots will require extensive testing in human subjects. There is therefore considerable new development and testing that must be completed before this system can be safely used on humans. However the concept provides us with an exciting look at a potential medical advance that may be available in the foreseeable future and provide benefits in the treatment of mental disorders.
For further information see: Israeli scientists use nanobots and thoughts to control when drugs are administered.