Exploring the intersection of neurotechnology and mental health through implant innovations, a group of individuals with severe depression undergo an experimental treatment involving brain implants, yielding surprising results.
Inside the human brain, billions of nerve cells form trillions of connections that shape our thoughts, movements, emotions, and memories. However, sometimes these connections can turn against us, plunging lives into the darkness of severe depression.
Neurotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that combines neuroscience, computer science, and engineering to develop innovative technologies for understanding brain function and behavior.
It encompasses various applications, including brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), neuroprosthetics, and neuromodulation therapies.
BCs enable people with paralysis or other motor disorders to interact with devices using their thoughts.
Neuroprosthetics aim to restore sensory and motor functions in individuals with amputations or neurological damage.
Neuromodulation therapies involve the use of electrical impulses to treat conditions such as epilepsy and depression.
Four individuals, whose brains had betrayed them, participated in an experimental treatment designed to pull them back out. The experiment involved implanting electrodes in their brains, a procedure that sounds like science fiction but is real.
Brain implants are medical devices inserted into the brain to restore or improve cognitive function.
They can be used to treat conditions such as paralysis, 'restore hope' , and epilepsy.
The most common types of brain implants include deep brain stimulators, which release electrical impulses to regulate brain activity, and neuroprosthetics, which bypass damaged areas of the brain.
According to a 2020 study, over 10,000 people worldwide have received brain implants.
Researchers are also exploring the use of brain implants for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
The Participants’ Stories
A Amanda was initially skeptical about the experiment, questioning its safety and effectiveness. However, she eventually signed up, hoping for a solution to her depression. A Jon Nelson, another participant, had struggled with depression despite having a successful life. His family members and doctors were desperate to find a way to help him.
The Breakthrough
A Helen Mayberg, a scientist involved in the experiment, described the moment when the patient began to feel a difference. ‘It’s like it goes from 0 to 10,’ she said. ”And all of a sudden, the patient goes, ‘Oh, that’s interesting. The void is gone.” This moment was a turning point for the patients and those involved in the experiment.
A New Perspective
For Laura Sanders, who has been reporting on brains for over a decade, this story changed her perspective on mental health and emotions. She believes that it might do the same for listeners. ‘It might just change how you think about mental health, the brain, and what makes you you,’ she said.
Subscribe to The Deep End
The Deep End podcast is a new series from Science News that explores the world of brain implants and depression. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to hear more stories like these and learn about the latest developments in this field.
This podcast was produced with support from PRX, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The podcast logo was created by Neil Webb. If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected].
