In a study published in the scientific journal Nature Communications on Wednesday (9), researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies (USA) described a new technique called sonogenetics, which uses sound waves to control brain cells. The group, which had already been successful in tests with worms, managed to apply the novelty to mammals as well.
The researchers identified a protein called TRPA1, which is sensitive to sound and allows you to activate cells in the brain or heart through it. However, the work was not easy: the team had to analyze approximately 300 different proteins until finding one that fulfilled the desired proposal.
Once TRPA1 was determined, the paper’s authors used a gene therapy approach to deliver the protein into mouse neurons. The expectation is that the discovery will be the first step towards a scenario with non-invasive versions of deep brain stimulation.
Want to stay on top of the best tech news of the day? Access and subscribe to our new youtube channel, Kenyannews News. Every day a summary of the main news from the tech world for you!
Currently, brain stimulation is already present in the treatment of Parkinson’s and epilepsy, but this involves the surgical implantation of electrodes in the brain. Thus, working with sound waves can represent more practicality. Another estimate is that sonogenetics could be used in heart cells as a kind of pacemaker without surgery.
The idea now is to understand in depth how TRPA1 detects sound waves. The group also plans to look for other possible sound-sensitive proteins.
