Compact self-wiring in cultured neural networks

[Carl]

A choice from Journal of Neural Engineering. As a lead-in to this
article, check
http://blogs.zdnet.com/emergingtech/?p=275:

It is important to note that the longevity of these hybrid networks is
quite exceptional.

Existing methods for growing networks of neurons cannot produce
such neat patterns and clean links between cells. This is because
neurons are normally deposited on surfaces that do not prevent them
from growing out of ordered clusters onto projections, which makes for
a messier network.

The process makes it possible to create more uniform neural
networks, Hanein says. In experiments they last longer than other
artificial networks, surviving for up to 11 weeks. This could be
crucial for building biosensors using the cells, she claims.

If you want to learn more about this process, the research work has
been published by the Journal of Neural Engineering under the title
"Compact self-wiring in cultured neural networks" (Volume 3, Number 2,
Pages 95-101, June 2006). Here are two links to the abstract and the
full paper (PDF format, 7 pages, 778 KB). Below is the beginning of
the conclusion of this paper from which the above illustration has
been extracted.

The results presented here demonstrate a simple and reliable
method to form engineered networks consisting of well-ordered
interconnected neuronal clusters. The cluster-to-cluster connectivity
is made of neuronal processes alone. The resulting patterning is very
stable and can be maintained for many weeks. The method is consistent
with the formation of networks made of large cell populations.

And for more information about other works from Yael Hanein, you can
check her research activity and a list of her publications.

[GilZ]

Hi Carl,

I just read you post and it's very interesting. I don't know much
about growing cells and trying to interconnect them but it looks that
these guys are doing real progress in this particular aspect of neuro
engineering. I guess my question would be whether they have been able
to test the viability of these constructs in terms of being able to do
something useful. I haven't read the full paper yet but I'll try.

Thanks for the links.

Gilberto.

On Feb 20, 6:06 pm, Carl <dieg...@sandia.gov> wrote:
> A choice from Journal of Neural Engineering. As a lead-in to this

> article, checkhttp://blogs.zdnet.com/emergingtech/?p=275: