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ARIA’s new Precision Neurotechnologies initiative aims to develop groundbreaking methods to precisely interface with the human brain at the circuit level, offering new hope for tackling currently incurable conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

 

One of the programme’s workstreams, "Biological Interfaces," pioneers the use of engineered cells as 'living' interfaces to repair damaged neural pathways and develop innovative, long-term solutions for circuit-level brain interfacing. A team of researchers led by Professor Dame Molly Stevens (DPAG and IBME), is contributing to two of these transformative projects.

 

The first project, led by the University of Cambridge, combines cell therapy, tissue engineering, and advanced electrical and biochemical stimulation techniques to repair damaged neural circuits in Parkinson’s disease. Professor Stevens will be contributing to the tissue engineering and cell/organoid delivery components of the project.

 

The second project, led by Imperial College London, focuses on biohybrid neurotechnology that enables the minimally-invasive delivery of tissue-engineered constructs to deep brain regions, which can be precisely controlled in place through external stimuli. The aim is to harness this approach to promote neuroregeneration, neuroprotection, and neuroplasticity. Professor Stevens will build on her group's existing work with photo-responsive biomaterials to incorporate photostimulation into the implants, alongside the development of advanced in vitro organoid models.

 

Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders have a profound impact on both individuals and society, affecting millions of people and costing billions in healthcare each year. With the support of ARIA, our researchers are leading the charge in transforming brain health by developing precision neurotechnologies that directly target the root causes of these conditions with unmatched accuracy. This will unlock new treatments and pave the way for personalized, more effective care.

 

Read more about ARIA's new research initiative here