Smart chips may be the next frontier in neurotechnology—at least that's the hope down under. Researchers in Sydney, Australia, are preparing for human trials next year of a spinal device that can measure and stop pain signals from traveling to the brain.

Image courtesy of NICTA

The smart chip is housed in a biocompatible device that is slightly smaller than the head of a match. Several of these devices are sewn into a 1.22-mm-wide microlead made of polymer yarn and electronic wires. These wires are then implanted in the spine (or, in theory, anywhere else where there is chronic pain) and connected to a tiny computer processor powered by a miniature battery. The battery can be charged wirelessly.

The smart chips monitor pain signals being sent to the brain and disrupt them by emitting electrical pulses (up to 10 V), which block the pain that the patient may otherwise feel.

This chronic pain therapy was developed by biomedical, electrical, and mechanical engineers, as well as textile and software experts, at National Information and Communications Technology Australia (NICTA). And what's not to like about it? The researchers envision this technology being used to treat chronic pain in the back and lower limbs as well as nerve damage. It may even help with migraines, seizures, and Parkinson's disease. —Lawrence Lloyd