Sensors could measure brain chemical levels over the course of a year

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Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 18 October 2018

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Neuroscientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US, believe they have developed brain sensors that can measure dopamine levels over a year-long period.

The sensors – which are implanted about five millimetres deep – were tested on animals and recorded dopamine levels for up to 393 days. To ensure results were accurate over a longer period of time, scientists designed sensors that would not provoke an immune reaction.

If the new technology is developed for human use, it could help doctors measure dopamine levels in people receiving deep brain stimulation – and subsequently allow them to deliver the treatment only when it is necessary.

Helen N. Schwerdt, MIT postdoctoral research associate and lead author of the study published in science journal ‘Communications Biology’, said: “Understanding those relationships between chemical and electrical activity will be really important to understanding all of the issues that you see in Parkinson’s.”

To read more on this topic click here.

For more information on Parkinson’s and deep brain stimulation please visit the EPDA website.

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Sensors could measure brain chemical levels over the course of a year

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 18 October 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Flying high: how I raised $22,000 for my dad’s Parkinson’s… by eating chicken wings

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Brush up on your Parkinson’s terminology with this free glossary

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Could a national biobank help inform the future of Parkinson’s disease treatment in Australia?

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Sensors could measure brain chemical levels over the course of a year

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 18 October 2018

Last Month

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Share this story

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Interviews

Flying high: how I raised $22,000 for my dad’s Parkinson’s… by eating chicken wings

Global update

Environmental Protection Agency bans pesticide linked to Parkinson’s disease

Resources & Tools

Brush up on your Parkinson’s terminology with this free glossary

Is there a link between Parkinson’s disease and blood vessel dysfunction?

New swab test may help with Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

Could a national biobank help inform the future of Parkinson’s disease treatment in Australia?

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