Ever since brain research began, there has only been one way to "see" or "scan" the brain: mostly through electrical means (MRI's). However, surgeons apparently have found a better means. Scientists have developed a sensor that detects vital chemical signals in the brain. This could potentially help scientists measure the impact of electrical stimulation.
In order to understand the impact of this sensor, you must first know what deep brain simulation is. Deep brain simulation is a procedure that is used as a therapy to treat "challenging neurological diseases", wherein an implanted electrode delivers jolts of electricity to certain parts of the brain. It seems to be good therapy, considering that more than 75,000 have undergone this procedure, however there was very little known as to what it actually did to the brain that made it work so efficiently. Now, that question has been answered. Instead of seeing the brain through purely electrical signals, surgeons and scientists can have a look in the brain through biochemicals released by the brain during this activity.
In my belief, this new sensor allows for so much more improvement. It's almost like looking at a picture, and at the same time, being able to know what the surroundings felt like or what the conditions where during the picture. Through this sensor, it is potentially possible to even deliver a more effectively therapy, thus allowing for greater chances to live a life easier with Parkinson's or any other neurological diseases.
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This is very interesting, I hope insurances will cover the tests done by this new technology so that the people who need it will be able to get it. Also, we may find out more information about what our brains are capable of. If we only use a fraction of our brains then who knows what else we are capable of that we don't even know.
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