Microchip brain implant could restore memory

U.S. neuroscientists say a microchip brain implant could help with memory loss, and researchers project the first implants in humans could happen in the next two years, with wider availability within five to 10 years.

The research focused on the hippocampus, part of the cerebral cortex, where short-term memories become long-term, reports CNN. Ted Berger, professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles has looked at how electrical signals travel through neurons there to form those long-term memories.

Berger used mathematical modeling to mimic these movements using electronics. Rob Hampson, associate professor of physiology and pharmacology at Wake Forest University conducted animal studies.

Hampson said experiments on rats and monkeys show that certain brain functions can be replaced with electrode signals.

"We support and reinforce the signal in the hippocampus but we are moving forward with the idea that if you can study enough of the inputs and outputs to replace the function of the hippocampus, you can bypass the hippocampus."

The technology required still needs to become smaller, but scientists say the implants may be widely available in five to 10 years.

Unfortunately the implant can't aid the memory of patients with advanced dementia. The device is more successful at helping victims of stroke or localized brain injury, and should have human volunteers for trials within two years.

The project is partly funded by the U.S. military, with the aim of treating battlefield injuries.