Researchers develop injectable device to control nerves without surgery

Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, have developed a tiny, injectable medical device that introduces a new approach to treating chronic pain and movement disorders by controlling nerve activity without the need for surgery, batteries or wires, offering a simpler and less invasive way to treat neurological conditions.

The device, about the size of a small seed, can be injected into the body using a standard needle and placed near a target nerve. Once in position, it delivers controlled electrical signals that influence how the nerve behaves. It is powered wirelessly from outside the body, allowing doctors or patients to adjust its activity in real time.

The research, published in Science Advances, offers an alternative approach that combines precision with minimal invasiveness. This new technology complements existing treatment options, which may include medical implants or medications depending on the patient’s condition and needs.

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