Epilepsy and glaucoma could be a thing of the past. Well, that could be a bit sensationalistic but research coming out of Purdue University is showing some promise. A recent press release highlights three astounding projects. One measures epileptic brain activity while a seizure is occurring, another dispenses GABA neurotransmitters to calm localized seizures. The last measures pressure buildup in glaucoma patients.

Details after the jump.

First up is an small implantable chip that records brain activity, targeted to epilepsy patients. The transmitter itself is about three times the size of a human hair and is placed under the scalp. Electrodes are placed in the brain through small holes drilled in the skull and attached to the transmitter via a wire. The transmitter is completely self contained and sends data wirelessly to be collected. Importantly, the device uses a measly 8.8 milliwatts of electricity meaning it can last about 3 times longer than current implantable devices.

The device also packs a greater scientific punch, capable of transmitting ten times the data and collecting 1000 channels of information. Similar devices in clinical trials are limited to 8 channels. Think of this device as an early warning earthquake system. The more places you are watching, the better data you are going to get. The data recovered from the transmitter should provide critical data on when, where and how seizures take place. Human trials will be taking place in under two years.

The next device is similar in size and power consumption but has a completely different role. Instead of passively watching epileptic seizures, this device actively releases GABA when it identifies the beginning of a seizure. GABA is good at calming an epileptic focal spots. Focal spots are the initial seed that spreads to induce widespread seizure in the brain. It is hoped that by selectively calming these focal spots full seizures can be prevented. This selective calming also prevents side-effects from bombarding the entire body with pharmaceuticals.

To achieve this the team has created a “living electrode”. This electrode is covered in genetically engineered neurons. When an electrical current is applied, these neurons are engineered to dump GABA into the surrounding environment. This essentially makes the living electrode into a tiny GABA factory that can release its stockpile on command. The GABA is quickly and selectively dumped into crucial areas and avoid flooding the entire brain (and body) with chemicals. Focal seizures can be quickly calmed before they have the chance to spread across the brain.

Last, we have an implantable device that monitors fluid pressure in glaucoma patients. Glaucoma patients suffer fluid buildup in their eye. Should the pressure build to high enough levels, the optic nerve suffers damage and patients lose eyesight permanently. Fortunately, glaucoma is completely treatable. The problem arises from the unpredictable nature of glaucoma - pressure can build up rapidly (hours or even minutes) and damage can occur before the patient can see a doctor (or even know that damage is occurring).

The new implantable device effectively functions as a personal doctor on call at all times. This device measures pressure in the inner eye chamber and uses even less power than the two devices above, less than a microwatt. We are talking nanowatts here. Pressure data is sent to an external unit and analyzed. If pressure is increasing the patient is alerted and can take measures to remedy the situation (ie. get to a hospital).

Quite remarkable progress. In my opinion, we are starting to blur the lines between man and machine. Whats the difference between our immune system watching over our body and a implantable device? Organic molecules vs. silicon. The end result is the same however - a better, healthier life. Sign me up as an early adopter.