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Recent technological advances have raised hopes addiction could one day be treatable using sophisticated mechanical devices. Dubbed “deep brain-machine interfaces,” the devices are implanted inside the brain, capable of decoding mental activity—and more surprisingly, altering it. The technique differs from conventional brain-machine interfaces, which focus on decoding signals from the cerebral cortex—the brain’s outer layer, according to a paper published in Translational Psychiatry. By implanting the devices in parts of the brain associated with addiction, scientists may be able to suppress binging, craving, and withdrawal behaviors more effectively than existing pharmaceutical and behavioral treatments. It functions by “facilitating efficient interactions between external devices and deep brain structures, thereby enabling the meticulous monitoring and precise modulation of neural activity in these regions,” according to the paper’s authors, a group of scientists from Wuhan, China. “This pioneering paradigm holds significant promise for revolutionizing the treatment landscape of addictive disorders.” Once seen as a character flaw or moral weakness, addiction is now viewed by many experts as a medical condition arising not only from social factors and personal choices but also from alterations in the brain. This shift has been accompanied by an increased reliance on anti-addiction drugs like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, which are commonly prescribed for opioid use disorder, along with the continued use of behavioral therapy.  However, existing treatments have had limited success, and researchers have begun studying more experimental approaches like deep brain stimulation, which involves sending electrical impulses into the brain through electrodes.  Although some studies have produced promising results, the approach is limited because the intensity, frequency, and duration of the electrical signals often cannot be adjusted. The Wuhan scientists believe a more practical approach would be to create deep brain-machine interfaces that can be customized to the changing needs of each patient in real-time.  “Brain function and…

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Filed under: News - @ October 27, 2024 9:24 pm