Currently available neurostimulation electrodes have cylindrical, flat, or slightly convex geometrical shapes. These designs work well with spinal cord and deep brain stimulation but their geometries do not work well to stimulate peripheral nerves. UIC researchers have proposed a non-traditional shape of the electrode contacts that changes the way electrical device interfaces with biological tissues and electrical energy of stimulation is delivered to the stimulation targets.

Aß is found in high levels in pathological conditions such as dementia, vascular diseases, and traumatic brain injury. Currently, there is no antibody that is specific for Aß that does not bind to its precursor protein APP. The most widely used antibody today is 6E10. This antibody is priced at $905 for a half milliliter. The UIC inventors have developed an antibody that only binds to Aß and is pan specific in which it detects all forms of Aß (unaggregated, oligomeric and fibrillar forms).

Clomethiazole (CMZ) is a sedative/ hypnotic, anticonvulsant, currently in clinical use for anxiety in the elderly via its GABA-mimetic and anti-inflammatory actions. Besides acting as a GABAA potentiator, CMZ was also proposed to inhibit the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and decrease inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in cortical glial cells.

In stroke research, the hippocampal acute brain slice preparation is a model for studying how neuronal tissue responds to a hypoxic insult.  Additionally, in diabetes research, pancreatic islets preparation and dynamic loading of oxygen and glucose is critical to understand how hypoxia alters the glucose-insulin response of the pancreas.  However, standard techniques using commercial perfusion chambers cannot accurately provide oxygen delivery and control to model hypoxic conditions.

Below the knee muscle weakness, defined by weak dorsiflexor (shin) or plantarflexor (calf) muscle groups, can result from a variety of physical impairments or congenital abnormalities. Stroke, spinal cord injuries, polio and multiple sclerosis are among some of the physical injuries and congenital defects responsible for the condition. The largest complication from below the knee muscle weakness is abnormal gait, which when compensated for can lead to further complications in other muscles and joints.

A laminectomy is a surgery that removes a portion of the vertebral bone to relieve back pain.  It is performed when more conservative medical treatments have failed.  Frequently performed on patients who suffer severe pain due to herniated disks, the procedure requires that surgeons insert a paddle type electrode onto the spinal cord for stimulation.  Currently, surgeons use straight or bayonet-type forceps and must firmly grip the edges of the electrode to ensure its stability.  However, this tends to bend the electrode in a “U” shape resulting in increased press

In peripheral nerve stimulation and subcutaneous neurostimulation procedures, a neurosurgeon inserts a wire-type electrode into the body using a straight needle and stylet device.  Because this needle and stylet are straight, it is difficult to insert to match the natural curves of the human body.  To solve this problem, a surgeon often bends the device in the operating room, creating rough kinks and inconsistent bends in the needle and stylus.  These limitations make it difficult to remove and reinsert the stylus for electrode insertion. 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath of nerve axons, which impacts the neural communication signaling.  In Alzheimer's disease (AD), healthy brain tissue degenerates, causing a steady decline in memory and mental abilities.