Microelectronics Shed Light on Neural Behavior

(ETH Zurich, September 24, 2020)

Researchers at ETH Zurich, in collaboration with colleagues from EPFL and Harvard Medical School, recently developed a system that allows them to optically stimulate individual nerve fibers in living mice. Through this process, they were able to demonstrate that the nervous system has a direct influence on the immune system, which, as explained by the researchers, may potentially point the way to new approaches in areas such as the treatment of chronic pain, or persistent inflammation. Highlighting the term “electroceuticals” – a combination of electronics and pharmaceuticals – ETH Professor Qiuting Huang believes that electrical engineering will play an increasingly important role in human health in the future, but also points out that advances in electrical engineering continue to only come about as a result of tremendous effort.