Before delving deep into Nano-MIND, do you know our brains are connected through 100 million neurons? Controlling this brain has been a great challenge for scientists for decades. However, with technological advancement, it has become possible to control the brain to some extent. Does it sound strange? Might be. Well, you’ll be shocked to know that researchers at the Center of Nanomedicine within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and the Yonsei University of South Korea are making groundbreaking advancements in neuroscience by unlocking the potential of human brains through Nano-MIND.
What is Nano-MIND?
Nano-MIND stands for Magnetogenetic Interface for NeuroDynamics. It usually uses tiny magnetic particles found in specific brain regions, which activate the magnetic fields of targeted neurons to influence various activities of the brain. Its wireless, non-invasive nature, combined with the ability to precisely control brain activity, opens new avenues for research and therapy in the field of neuromodulation or neuroscience.
Innovation of Nano-MIND
A study published in Nature Nanotechnology highlights South Korea’s advent of nanotechnology. Some scientists have discovered that technology can manipulate particular regions of brains through magnetic fields. These magnetic fields can unlock the secrets of high-level human brain functions like cognition, emotion and motivation. This technique leverages magnetized nanoparticles and magnetic fields to selectively activate or inhibit targeted brain circuits. This allows for unparalleled spatiotemporal control of neural activity.
Cheon Jinwoo, from the Center for Nanomedicine at IBS, the Department of Nano Biomedical Engineering at Yonsei University, and the research’s co-chief corresponding author stated: “This is the world’s first technology to freely control specific brain regions using magnetic fields”. He also added, “We expect it to be widely used in research to understand brain functions, sophisticated artificial neural networks, two-way BCI [brain-computer interface] technologies, and new treatments for neurological disorders.”
Experiments of Nano-MIND
The research team experimented with the Nano-MIND on freely moving mice to understand its potential. In the first experiment, they targeted mice’s neurons in the Medical Preoptic Area (mPOA) of the hypothalamus, which is known for parenting regions. For this experiment, they chose non-parental female mice and selectively activated inhibitory GABA receptors to observe if the parenting and nurturing behaviour was increasing or not. These mice surprisingly started approaching and retrieving mouse pups, with their care time soaring by over four times compared to normal mice, which have no interest in it. This groundbreaking experiment highlights the potential of Nano-MIND to modulate complex social behaviours.
The lateral hypothalamus, which is controlled by GABAergic neurons and known as the feeding centre, was targeted afterwards. Activating these inhibitory neurons increases appetite and feeding behaviours by 100%; conversely, activating the excitatory neurons decreases appetite and feeding behaviours by 50%. These results demonstrate the bidirectional control capabilities of Nano-MIND, paving the way for potential therapeutic applications in treating disorders related to motivation and appetite.
Should the human world need to be worried?
Might be. The Nano-MIND experiments with freely moving mice have the potential of precisely controlling the complex behaviour of human brains. There might be a chance that technology can control every emotion of humans besides measuring them. However, the Nano-MIND experiment can also explore revolutionary treatments in the neurological and psychiatric world.
FAQ
What is Nano-MIND?
Nano-MIND stands for Magnetogenetic Interface for NeuroDynamics. It usually uses tiny magnetic particles found in specific brain regions, which activate the magnetic fields of targeted neurons to influence various activities of the brain.
Which country discover Nano-MIND?
South Korea. The researchers at the Center of Nanomedicine within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and the Yonsei University of South Korea are making groundbreaking advancements in neuroscience by unlocking the potential of human brains through Nano-MIND.
What is the future direction of Nano-MIND?
The Nano-MIND experiment can also explore revolutionary treatments in the neurological and psychiatric world.
Can Nano-MIND control human emotions?
An experiment on mice has been adopted by a research group in South Korea on which Nano-MIND has been applied, and their parenting and feeding behaviours were increased like humans.
What is nanotechnology for the brain?
South Korean research group has made groundbreaking advancements in neuroscience by unlocking the potential of human brains through Nano-MIND.
