Researchers from the University of Oregon believe that tiny electrodes could someday be implanted into the eye to restore sight in people with macular degeneration or other vision disorders.
A new design for eye and brain implants draws its inspiration from nature. The researchers have grown neurons on a fractal-patterned electrode, one that mimics the repeating branching pattern in which neurons naturally grow.
After conducting several different computer simulations, the results provide experimental evidence that neurons will connect better to a fractal-patterned electrode, allowing better signal transmission between the implant and the brain.
MORE