Project Move2Treat - EU HORIZON EIC 2024 PATHFINDER OPEN

Move2Treat aims to develop a theory of how we generate movement by investigating neuronal population activity across central brain regions and the spinal cord. This will be achieved through the following: -Bi-directional soft-fiber platform: A novel technology capable of stimulating and recording multiple signals from both the brain and spinal cord. -Disruptive science: Developing a new brain–spinal cord interface to explore the associated neuronal circuits. -The “pacemaker of the nervous system”: The first complete, minimally invasive, wireless, biocompatible, and soft multifunctional fiber-based neural interface that enables real-time, in vivo mapping of brain–spinal cord activity with high spatial and temporal resolution. Objectives of Move2Treat: -Investigating how different neuronal circuits in the brain interact with the spinal cord and identifying which spinal networks are involved in the “execution” of brain “commands”. -Achieving this breakthrough through a high-performance bi-directional interface. Innovative Approaches: -Optogenetics: Unlocking the full potential of optogenetics to control neuronal activity. -Infrared Neural Stimulation (INS): Exploring a genetic-free neuromodulation approach that relies on infrared light absorption to induce neuronal responses, providing a safe and effective method to control neural activity without genetic manipulation or exogenous substances. Future Impact: Move2Treat aims to establish a disruptive technological paradigm for the central and peripheral nervous system. Upon successful in vivo validation, the project will lay the foundation for therapies targeting Parkinson’s disease, tremors, and partial spinal cord injury.