Neural Noise- An L-shaped flexible neural implant enables chronic ECoG signal acquisition from the M2 region in rats.1
- The device was validated in both control and Parkinsonian rat models, supporting neural interface development and preclinical Parkinson’s research.1 1
Weekly enrichment (2026-07-20)
- The implant is a novel L-shaped surface neural implant with five gold electrodes of 400 µm diameter spanning a 1 mm × 3 mm area, microfabricated on biocompatible polyimide with an overall thickness of about 25 µm.23
- The electrodes had an average impedance of 18.315 kΩ at 1 kHz, and the L geometry follows the rat brain atlas so the array conforms specifically to the secondary motor cortex (M2) in the mediolateral orientation.23
- The region-specific shape needs a smaller craniotomy than standard grid arrays, lowering chronic-study infection risk and leaving neighboring regions free for multisite implantation of additional devices.2
- A bilateral craniotomy placed the implants for subdural chronic ECoG recording in both a control rat and a hemi-parkinsonian rat model.24
- After recovery, ECoG was recorded for two weeks using an OpenBCI Cyton–Daisy biosensing board, capturing signals during sleep, forelimb movement, and drinking.23
- Power spectral density (PSD) slopes differed between the control and Parkinsonian rats, suggesting M2 surface signals may carry disease-related features worth further study.2
- The study was published in Scientific Reports (2025), a Nature Portfolio journal, rather than the flagship Nature; the in vivo validation used one control and one Parkinsonian rat, so findings are preliminary proof-of-concept.24