Neuroscientists have successfully identified moods through brain activity. They thus developed a “mood decoder” capable of measuring depression. The first tests carried out are already promising.
After the scientists who succeeded in “bringing life back” to dead eyes, neuroscientists have managed to create a “mood decoder”. It is a tool capable of measure a person’s depression based on brain activity. The results of their study are already very promising! They implanted 14 electrodes in the brains of volunteers who suffered from depression. One of them even assured that this technology saved his life.
As the name suggests, the mood decoder is able to identify a person’s mood through their brain activity. Not only do neuroscientists succeed in measuring the severity of depressionbut they also come to boost a positive mood with electrodes implanted in the brain.
The mood decoder is able to measure the severity of this complex mental illness
For decades now, doctors have been using electrical stimulation to treat brain disorders, including depression. Electrodes placed deep in the brain can treat some symptoms. However, the results of these treatments vary. They sometimes only temporarily improve the condition of patients. This is why neuroscientists want to better understand how depression works in the brain.
Riva Posse who is a neurologist in the United States explained that “ depression is a complex illness. It’s not like trying to fix a brain vibration, there’s a whole universe of symptoms. “. Symptoms of depression include for example loss of appetite, suicidal tendencies, lack of sleep, an inability to experience pleasure, a loss of motivation, etc. With the mood decoder, neuroscientists hope to be able to better measure the severity of depression and thus better place the electrodes in the brain.
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John has 4 electrodes implanted in his brain that deliver deep brain stimulation to treat his depression
One of the neuroscientists’ study volunteers, John, said the electrodes saved his life. Several days after the 14 electrodes were implanted in his brain, the team removed 10. Today, John still has 4 electrodes in his brain which are powered by a rechargeable battery implanted in his chest. He recharges this battery every week. According to him, ” if the stimulation stops, I go back to square one. It saved my life “.
Finally, as stated by neurosurgeon Sameer Sheth who is leading the trial, ” this is the first demonstration of successful and consistent decoding of human mood in these brain regions “. It is therefore very promising for the future of neuroscience.
Source : The Verge
