Tiny Brain Implant Works Wirelessly for a Year in Mice

Researchers at Cornell University in the US have developed an ultra-small wireless brain implant called MOTE (Microscale Optoelectronic Tetherless Electrode) that successfully recorded neural activity in mice for an entire year. Measuring just about 300 micrometres long and 70 micrometres wide, the device is smaller than a grain of salt and is designed to operate without conventional batteries or wired connections.

MOTE is powered remotely using red and infrared laser light and converts electrical signals from neurons into infrared light pulses for wireless transmission. Researchers say the technology could eventually support brain monitoring during MRI scans and may have applications in the spinal cord and other tissues. The year-long experiment showed that the implanted device could continuously record neural signals while the mice remained healthy and active.