July 20th 2024.
A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of medical technology. They have developed a new type of battery that could potentially revolutionize the way we treat neurological conditions such as epilepsy. This innovative device was inspired by the slippery and flexible nature of certain underwater organisms.
The researchers at Cambridge were fascinated by the muscle cells of electric eels, which are able to produce electric discharges for hunting and self-defense. They wondered if this unique ability could be replicated in a battery that could be implanted in the human brain. After extensive research, they found that using jelly-like materials was the key to creating a "self-healing battery" that could potentially administer drugs and treat conditions like epilepsy.
Stephen O'Neill, one of the researchers involved in the project, explained that designing a material with both high conductivity and stretchability is a difficult task. Typically, these properties are at odds with each other, with conductivity decreasing as a material is stretched. However, the jelly-like batteries they have created can be stretched up to ten times without losing any of their conductivity.
This breakthrough has significant implications for the medical field, not only for wearable devices but also for subdermal implants. By using batteries that can be molded into living tissue, the team hopes to improve the effectiveness of existing implants and reduce the risk of rejection or scar tissue build-up. Oren Scherman, another researcher involved in the project, highlighted the potential for customizing the mechanical properties of these hydrogels to match human tissue.
The team is currently preparing to test the batteries in living organisms to determine their safety and effectiveness in a real-life setting. Their findings have been published alongside a similar study at Nanjing University in China, where researchers are also working on a malleable lithium-ion battery for in-body medical monitoring.
Overall, the team at the University of Cambridge has made a groundbreaking discovery that could potentially transform the way we treat neurological conditions. By drawing inspiration from nature and using innovative materials, they have created a battery that could have a significant impact on the medical field. Only time will tell the full extent of its capabilities, but the possibilities are certainly exciting.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
