Very small microscopes have the ability to track cell activity in the spinal cord, according to Crazy Engineers.
Nature Communication published the report.
Here are five notes:
1. La Jolla, Calif.-based Salk Institute researchers believe the technology could impact neural medication and lesion treatment.
2. Researchers improved the microscopes' hardware and software to track awake mice's internal cellular activities.
3. Analysis found various spinal sensor neurons sensitive to light, touch or pressure.
4. The research also revealed secondary supportive astrocytes cells reciprocate the stimuli and coordinate using their own chemical signals.
5. Next, the researchers want to test spinal cord reactions to touch and pain.