Tofu-like brain implant lets scientists track cyborg tadpole growth

Bioengineering researchers at Harvard SEAS have developed a soft, stretchable, tofu-like neural implant that can be integrated into the nervous system of live tadpole embryos to monitor brain development from its earliest stages. The implant, made from fluorinated elastomers that mimic the softness and flexibility of biological tissue, is embedded into the neural plate—the flat precursor to the brain and spinal cord—and can record electrical activity from individual neurons with millisecond precision without disrupting normal development or behavior. This innovation enables continuous, stable tracking of neural activity throughout the complex folding and formation of the brain, offering unprecedented insight into early brain development. The technology addresses a critical gap, as current methods cannot noninvasively monitor neural activity during early embryonic stages when disorders such as autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia may originate. By leveraging the natural growth process, the implant can expand with the developing brain, potentially allowing widespread sensor implantation across the 3D brain structure. This advancement builds on previous work with soft bioelectronics in organ