Legacy

Spring 2018
Issues/Contents
Research

A new spin on Parkinson's disease

Photography by Brady Willette

The U’s Jian-Ping Wang, Distinguished McKnight Professor and Robert Hartmann Chair in Electrical and Computing Engineering, is a leader in “spintronics” research. He is exploring the use of magnetic nanostructures to enable electrons’ “spin” function in an implantable device that could treat brain disorders including Parkinson’s disease.

“The traditional approach, which electrically stimulates the brain’s neural cells, requires direct contact with brain tissue, which isn’t always good for the patient. Using spintronics for deep magnetic brain stimulations would eliminate that contact, with higher density, lower power, and better control.”


Learn more about how spintronics works