Neuro Rehab Times explores some of the latest developments in the world of neurology and technology – from an exoskeleton for children arms to spinal cord stimulation to treat depression, and more.
Spinal cord stimulation to treat depression
A two-part clinical trial is testing the use of non-invasive electrical stimulation of the spinal cord as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD).
The studies will focus on how brain-body communication affects psychiatric disorders, as the researchers think that the connection between the brain and the body is essential for psychiatric disorders, hypothesising that one contributor to MDD could be that a pathway of neurons located in the spinal cord is being overloaded with information, similar to a traffic jam on a highway.
In the first phase of the study, the team will test their hypothesis by using an innovative method in which a brief pulse of a laser stimulus on a participant’s foot penetrates a superficial layer of skin where A Delta and C fibres are located.
If the first phase does not find the stimulation has an effect on spinal interceptive pathways using pre-established criteria, the study will end there. But if it has positive results, the team will move on to the second phase of the trial, which is a more traditional double-blinded, randomised controlled trial.
In this phase, approximately 80 participants will be enrolled and randomized to either receive the spinal cord stimulation at the optimal dose found in the first phase or a placebo stimulation over eight weeks. Researchers will continue to gather laser-evoked potential data but will also study the effect of the stimulation on depressive symptoms.
AI model automatically segments MRI images
Research scientists in Switzerland have developed and tested a robust AI model that automatically segments major anatomic structures in MRI images, independent of sequence. In the study, the model outperformed other publicly available tools.
MRI provides detailed images of the human body and is essential for diagnosing various medical conditions, from neurological disorders to musculoskeletal injuries. For in-depth interpretation of MRI images, the organs, muscles and bones in the images are outlined or marked, which is known as segmenting.
The researchers built an open-source automated segmentation tool called the TotalSegmentator MRI based on nnU-Net, a self-configuring framework that has set new standards in medical image segmentation. It adapts to any new dataset with minimal user intervention, automatically adjusting its architecture, preprocessing, and training strategies to optimise performance.
The team says that, to their knowledge, the model is the only one that can automatically segment the highest number of structures on MRIs of any sequence,
US$600,000 grant to develop intelligent assistive robotics
For people with upper extremity disabilities such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis or other conditions, assistive robotics can help restore their independence in performing everyday tasks like eating, grooming and grasping objects. But much like old dogs, these devices have a hard time learning new tricks.
A team of researchers aim to address this challenge with his new research project, Mobile Robot Manipulators for Learning and Executing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. The project is supported through a three-year, $600,000 grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research.
The team will create intelligent and mobile robotic assistants that offer easier control and a better robot-human interface.
The project’s first year will focus on research and development, while the second and third years will incorporate testing and user feedback. Initial testing will be conducted with students, followed by studies involving adults with upper body paralysis.
Personal exoskeletons for children
The EXPLORER project, a research and development initiative aimed at promoting the integration and participation of children with gait impairments, has created the first set of exoskeletons for domestic use. The prototype presented is a children’s exoskeleton designed for personal use that can be utilised both at home and outdoors.
This breakthrough results from collaboration between Marsi Bionics, CSIC, and the four major hospitals in Madrid, with support from the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities through the PERTE for Vanguard Health.
The EXPLORER prototype represents a significant step forward by transferring technology to everyday environments, allowing children with reduced mobility to walk at home, at school, or in the street.
The exoskeleton has four motors that mimic natural muscle function and two operating modes: a movement intention mode where the exoskeleton complements the user’s strength to assist walking, and an automatic mode where movement is constant at the selected speed. It also features an innovative automatic seat that transforms the device into an integrated reclining chair, facilitating continuous use and comfort in the child’s daily life.
Each device will adapt to the child’s growth, accommodating ages from approximately 2 to 17 years, supporting the entire developmental period.
Outdoor use will promote not only rehabilitation but also inclusion and participation in daily activities, such as playing in the park, moving around the city, or participating in family leisure activities with greater autonomy.
Researchers to develop robotic arm for wheelchairs
Inspired by origami, robotics engineering researchers are developing a lightweight, flexible robotic arm that will enable a wheelchair user to safely grasp, lift, and carry objects that would otherwise be out of reach.
Through the four-year project, researchers Cagdas Onal, Berk Calli, and Loris Fichera from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) are developing a framework for the design, modelling, and control of soft continuum robotic arms, which are more flexible than traditional robot arms.
US$17M to develop non-surgical brain-computer interface
Neurotech company Subsense, Inc., has raised US$17m in seed funding that will go towards the development of its non-surgical, nanoparticle-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI).
According to the company, by delivering nanoparticles that bind with receptors in the brain, its BCI platform can achieve extensive connectivity with a gentler approach than current BCI systems through the use of targeted neural stimulation and precise monitoring.
Subsense is developing therapeutics for patients with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, depression, strokes, and chronic pain.
Crypto giant Tether announces BCI-tech open-source BrainOS
According to reports, Tether is leading the development of BrainOS – an open-source brain computer interface (BCI).
According to the company, Tether Data will be developing the platform that will be designed to be an open-source platform for the democratisation of advanced brain augmentation tools, ensuring decentralisation and transparency.
In a blog post, the company wrote: “Tether is advancing its commitment to empowering individuals through ethical and open innovation. Together, these efforts not only demonstrate Tether’s dedication to fostering revolutionary technologies but also ensure that advancements in human enhancement prioritise accessibility, collaboration, and freedom for all, rather than being monopolised by a select few.”
