This device can manipulate brain cells using smartphone

Scientists have invented a device that can control neural circuits using a tiny brain implant controlled by a smartphone.

The device, described in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, can speed up efforts to uncover brain diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, addiction, depression, and pain.

The device, using Lego-like replaceable drug cartridges and powerful bluetooth low-energy, can target specific neurons of interest using drug and light for prolonged periods.

"The wireless neural device enables chronic chemical and optical neuromodulation that has never been achieved before," said Raza Qazi, a researcher with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and University of Colorado Boulder.

He said this technology significantly overshadows conventional methods used by neuroscientists, which usually involve rigid metal tubes and optical fibres to deliver drugs and light.

Apart from limiting the subject's movement due to the physical connections with bulky