Despite looking like something out of a science fiction movie, a team of researchers from the Federal Polytechnic School of Zurich (Switzerland) has managed to devise a method of genetic regulation that, through brain waves, is capable of controlling the conversion of genes into proteins . The results of the study have been published in the journal Nature Communications .
The new system uses a special earphone that records brain waves . These are analyzed and transmitted wirelessly via bluetooth to a controller. The controller coordinates an electromagnetic field generator. Thus, by activating an implant with a built-in LED light that emits in the infrared range, the cells, through thought, are genetically modified and produce the desired protein .
“For the first time we have managed to take advantage of human brain waves, transfer them wirelessly to a network of genes and regulate the expression of one of them depending on the type of thought ; it's a dream we've been pursuing for over a decade, ”explains studio leader Martin Fussenegger.
The system has been tested in both cell cultures and mice, controlled by the thoughts of various human beings. The experiments, including the mouse-human pairing, have been a success . "Controlling genes in this way is completely new and unique given its simplicity," says Fussenegger.
Researchers are hopeful that this type of implant may help fight neurological diseases such as epilepsy in the future.
