Imagine controlling emotions and behaviors with just a magnetic field! 🧲🧠 Sounds like sci-fi, right? Well, South Korean scientists at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) have turned this into reality with their groundbreaking technology called Nano-MIND. Published in the latest issue of Nature Nanotechnology, this cutting-edge tech allows wireless, remote control of specific brain regions in animals. Think emotions, social behaviors, motivation—Nano-MIND can modulate them all! Magnetic fields aren't new in the medical world—they're used in imaging because they're safe and can penetrate tissues. But using them to precisely control brain circuits? That's been a huge challenge. Until now! Nano-MIND uses magnetic fields and teeny-tiny magnetized nanoparticles to specifically stimulate targeted brain circuits. The genius part? The precise placement of nano-magnetoreceptors in specific neurons and brain circuits. By applying rotating magnetic fields at just the right times, scientists can control neural activity with pinpoint accuracy. 🎯 In one mind-blowing experiment, the team activated inhibitory GABA receptors in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of non-maternal female mice. The result? These mice started showing nurturing behaviors, like bringing pups to their nests, just like mama mice would! 🐭❤️ But wait, there's more! The scientists also targeted motivation circuits in the lateral hypothalamus to regulate feeding behaviors. When they activated inhibitory neurons, the mice's appetite and feeding behaviors shot up by 100%! 🍔 Conversely, activating excitatory neurons led to a more than 50% drop in appetite. Talk about controlling hunger! The Nano-MIND technology shows that we can selectively activate brain circuits to modulate complex functions. This paves the way for amazing advancements in neuroscience and potential therapeutic applications. Who knows, maybe one day we can control our own cravings or emotions with a flip of a switch! 🤯 Stay tuned, amigos, because the future of brain tech is looking magnetic! 🌟Magnetic Magic Unveiled
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New technology uses magnetic fields to control brain regions
cgtn.com
