Welding neuron

Welding neuron

Scientists have developed a technology for laser welding of neurons with each other

A group of researchers from the University of Alberta (University of Alberta), has developed a technology for quick connection of neurons to each other using ultrashort pulses of laser light. This technology gives researchers a complete control of the manufacturing process of artificial neural networks, which opens up huge perspectives in the field of neurobiological research in the field of medicine to eliminate the effects of certain neurological diseases and injuries of the nervous tissue.

The method was developed by a team headed by doctor of philosophy Research Kachinskim (Nir Katchinskiy). The process begins with placement in a special solution of the two neuronal cells of the nervous tissue. These cells are placed so that they touch each other strictly in a certain place. A series of ultrashort pulses of femtosecond (10^-15 second) laser, focused at the point of contact of the neurons, causes them to form a single plot of the cell membrane.

After many experiments with the same nerve cells they remain viable and connected to each other. However, in some cases, have been noticed minor damage to the outer protective layer of the cell membrane, but the inner layers of this membrane remained intact in the same places.

The formation of the contact

Welding neuron

But the most important in this achievement is that for creating a safe place of contact of two neurons, the method of laser welding to just 15 milliseconds, and in the education of the same contact in a natural way takes several hours of time. "Our method is of great importance for many researchers," says Research Kachinsky, - "they now have a tool that allows them very quickly to do what they were not able to do before."

It is very unlikely that such a method of laser welding can be used in the near future for practical restoration of neural connections. Too specific conditions are required for the successful conduct of this procedure. "But all this can only be a first step towards creating another new method of laser welding, which is already suitable for practical application," says NIR Kachinski.