Science Advances detailed the fibers.
Here are five things to know:
1. The fibers have the ability to stretch while delivering optical impulses and electron connections.
2. The researchers integrated a transparent elastomer with a mesh of silver nanowire coating.
3. The fibers serve as a “multimodal interface with mechanical properties compatible with tissues, for neural stimulation and recording,” explained MIT graduate student Chi Lu.
4. Since the spinal cord experiences a stretch of about 12 percent during normal movement, researchers sought to create a material with similar stretchiness, softness and flexibility as the spinal cord.
5. The researchers hope to use this material to one day fight spinal cord injury, but they must first enhance the material’s biocompatibility to “withstand the stresses in the spinal cord without causing any damage,” said Polina Anikeeva, PhD, a MIT professor.
More articles on spine:
Can a new protocol for pediatric robotic-assisted spine surgery lower the CT radiation dose?
Spine in ASCs; Inspired Spine’s MI direct lateral interbody fusion study & more — 7 outpatient spine stories
US spends $789B yearly on neurological diseases; chronic low back pain accounts for $177B
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
