Project description
Non-invasive brain modulation for neurological disorders
Neurological disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases often involve disrupted brain rhythms and activity patterns. Current treatments struggle to restore neural function with precision. Advances in nanotechnology, microelectronics, and brain science now provide promising tools to address these challenges. However, achieving targeted, non-invasive brain modulation remains a significant hurdle. The EIC-funded META-BRAIN (MagnetoElectric and Ultrasonic Technology for Advanced BRAIN Modulation) project is tackling this challenge by leveraging cutting-edge magnetoelectric nanoarchitectures. These enable precise, wireless control of neural activity using minimal magnetic fields. Combined with ultrasonic technologies and graphene micro-transistor arrays for real-time monitoring, this innovative approach aims to revolutionise brain modulation, advancing preclinical and clinical applications towards transformative therapies.
Objective
The pathological alterations of neurological function (e.g. stroke, trauma, neurodegeneration, epilepsy, neuropsychiatric diseases, chronic pain) are commonly associated with alterations in brain rhythms and activity patterns. There is an urgent clinical need for treatments that can precisely control and restore neural activity, taking advantage of state-of-the-art technological developments in a variety of fields including nanotechnology, nano- and microelectronics, novel materials, brain science, clinical neurology, and computational modelling. META-BRAIN (MagnetoElectric and Ultrasonic Technology for Advanced BRAIN modulation) brings together seven expert partners in these fields with the aim of achieving precise spatiotemporal control of brain activity using magnetoelectric nanoarchitectures that can be polarized by non-invasive, remote magnetic fields. This novel principle of brain activity control will minimize the amplitude of the required magnetic fields, be wireless, and have enhanced spatial resolution from single neurons to cortical areas. We will develop a model-driven fabrication of the coils and monitor the effects on brain function with arrays of graphene microtransistors that uniquely allow full-band recording, integrating all elements in a closed loop. As an alternative to remote brain stimulation we will also use novel ultrasonic technologies. The META-BRAIN control paradigm will be systematically studied in pre-clinical systems from individual neurons to the full brain. All developments and experiments will be carried out in conjunction with theoretical models that will simulate, quantify, and predict optimal arrangements and patterns for the desired output. Translation to humans will be evaluated with our clinical partners, and a detailed dissemination and exploitation plan will be developed by two expert company partners, one of which has extensive expertise in the fabrication of brain interface devices with a worldwide distribution capability.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology epilepsy
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials two-dimensional nanostructures graphene
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics microelectronics
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology stroke
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2023-PATHFINDEROPEN-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
08036 BARCELONA
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.