Neural Implants Take a Step Forward

New Scientist reports that scientists at the California Institute of Technology have developed a device that automatically moves electrodes through the brain to seek out the strongest signals. The movement is small -- in micrometers -- but it's enough to enhance the performance of brain implants.

One of the biggest challenges in making neural implants a reality is that the implants have trouble receiving consistent signals from the brain. Resolving this problem represents a critical step for neural implants, which has the promise of helping paralyzed people regain mobility, and allowing amputees to control robotic prosthetics.