Reduced dopamine levels disrupt normal brain activity, affecting motor control and causing movement problems.
Scientists dont know what triggers the disease, and there is currently no cure.
Scientists have beensearching for a curefor Parkinsons disease for well over a century.
An artist’s rendering of the future brain implant.© University of Cambridge
Researchers are exploringcell-replacement therapyas a potential treatment, which replaces the dead dopamine cells with new ones.
These current approaches, however, have failed to fully integrate transplanted cells with the brains nervous system.
Similar to cell-replacement therapy, researchers plan to transplant these midbrain organoids into the brain.
ARIA is the British research and development agency funding the Parkinsons implant project.
Ultimately, this could deliver transformative impact for people with lived experiences of brain disorders.
It remains to be seen how the team will develop the implant once the project has officially started.
Hopefully, within a few yearsor maybe even monthswell be reporting on the success of the first animal trials.
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Others say it could fuel inequity and undermine democracy, among other possible unknown consequences.
