A centimeter-sized device is ready to help those struggling with obesity.
Researchers from the University of Texas A&M have revealed a new technology that delivers a sense of fullness by promoting zero endings that are dependent on food intake control.
Unlike other devices that require a power cord, this device is wireless and can be externally controlled from a remote radio frequency source.
The paddle-shaped system is attached to the stomach and is made up of microchips and LEDs that emit light to target specific vagus nerve endings.
When the radio frequency source was turned on, the researchers showed that the light from the LEDs was effective in suppressing hunger.
A centimeter-sized device is ready to help those struggling with obesity. Researchers from the University of Texas A&M have unveiled a new technology that delivers a sense of fullness by promoting zero endings that are dependent on food intake control.
Obesity is estimated to be a global disease with over 650 million people worldwide suffering from obesity.
Those who suffer from obesity turn to a diet and exercise that tends to fail, and as a result take the horrible step of gastric bypass surgery.
This procedure makes a small pouch inside the stomach and regenerates the digestive system – so aggressive surgery requires a long recovery time.
Dr Sung II Park, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said: ‘We wanted to create a device that requires not only minimal surgery for implantation but allows us to achieve zero specific endings. stimulation in the stomach. ‘
‘Our machine has the ability to do both of those things in poor gastric position, which, in the future, could be very beneficial for people who need weight loss surgeries. ‘
Previous work has looked at vagus nerves as potential targets for the treatment of obesity, as they are tasked with transmitting sensory information about fullness from the lining of the stomach to the brain.
There are devices currently on the market that inspire them, but they are designed more like a stepper that needs to be connected to a power source.
However, Park said wireless technology, as well as the application of advanced genetic and optical devices, has the potential to make zero-stimulation devices smaller and more comfortable for the patient.
‘Despite the clinical advantage of a wireless system, no device has, to date, been able to perform a specific cell-type treatment that is stable and stable within any other organ. as well as the brain, ‘Park said.
The researchers began work with a genetic device to identify genes that respond light into specific vagus nerve endings in vivo – and then picked up the device.
The tiny system has micro-LEDs at the top of its flexible shaft, which are suitable for the stomach.
At the head of the device, called the cutter, they held microchips needed for the wireless communication device with an external radio frequency source.
The harvester was also equipped to make tiny streams of power to power the LEDs.
The researchers said they were surprised to find that the biological device that coordinated the prevention of hunger in their experiments was different from conventional wisdom.
In other words, it is widely accepted that when the stomach is full, it expands and the information about stretching is transmitted to the brain by mechanics on the vagus nerve.
‘Our findings suggest that stimulation of the non-stretching receptors, those that respond to chemicals in the diet, may also provide a feeling of hospitality even when the stomach has not been heard,’ said Park. .
Looking ahead, he said the current device could also be used to treat zero endings throughout the gastrointestinal tract and other organs, such as the intestine, with very few changes.
Researchers have a keen interest in the applied and fundamental fields of electronics, materials science and neuroscience, ‘said wireless optogenetics and the identification of peripheral cloud pathways that control desire and other behaviors , ‘said Park.
‘Our novel device now enables the study of neuronal activity in the peripheral nervous systems in a way that was impossible with existing methods.’