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A review, published on September 11 in Cyborg and Bionic Systems by researchers at Tianjin University, summarizes recent advances in intracortical microstimulation (ICMS), a technique that uses tiny electrodes implanted in the brain to activate specific groups of neurons. The researchers discuss how ICMS has evolved from a tool for mapping brain function into a potential technology for sensory feedback, information delivery, closed-loop neuromodulation and biointegrated neural interfaces.

Brain–computer interfaces are increasingly being explored as a way to restore lost functions or provide new channels for communication between the nervous system and electronic devices. While much BCI research focuses on reading neural signals, ICMS provides the complementary ability to write information back into the brain.

“ICMS has emerged as a prominent invasive modality capable of activating intracortical neuronal populations with high precision,” the researchers write. The technology can potentially replace or supplement natural sensory inputs, probe

GBD 2021 data were used to assess trends, SDI-related distributions and DALY drivers from 1990 to 2021. Cardiovascular diseases had the highest mortality and DALY rates in 2021. Communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional (CMNN) burdens remained concentrated towards lower-SDI settings but gradients weakened, whereas NCD burdens remained concentrated towards higher-SDI settings and gradients strengthened. Population growth and ageing mainly drove the 577 million rise in NCD-related DALYs.