A marmoset monkey with glowing neural pathways connected to a futuristic microelectrode array.

Decoding the Brain: How New Tech is Revolutionizing Neural Signal Stability

Kai Mendoza in Tech & Innovation December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Scientists unlock the secrets of long-term neural recordings, paving the way for advanced neuroprosthetics and brain-machine interfaces."

Imagine controlling a robotic arm with your thoughts, or restoring movement after a spinal cord injury. Neuroprosthetics, powered by brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), are turning these possibilities into reality. But there’s a catch: these BMIs rely on consistently clear signals from microelectrode arrays (MEAs) implanted in the brain. The challenge lies in maintaining the quality of these recordings over long periods, as signal degradation and electrode failure can occur.

Researchers have been working hard to understand and overcome these challenges. Studies in rodents and larger non-human primates (NHPs) have shed light on how electrodes behave in the brain over time. Now, a new study focuses on the common marmoset, a smaller NHP that’s gaining popularity as a model for neuroscience research. Marmosets are easier to handle than larger primates and have a similarly organized brain, making them a valuable tool for studying neural interfaces.

This research delves into the long-term stability of neural signals recorded from microwire arrays implanted in marmoset brains. By tracking signal quality and identifying common failure modes, scientists are paving the way for more reliable and effective neuroprosthetic devices. Let’s explore how this work is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in neural engineering.

Why Marmosets? Unlocking New Potential in Neural Research

A marmoset monkey with glowing neural pathways connected to a futuristic microelectrode array.

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is emerging as a compelling model for neuroscience. Its smaller size, ease of breeding, and manageable care requirements make it an attractive alternative to larger NHPs like macaques. Crucially, the marmoset brain shares key organizational features with human brains, offering relevant insights for neural engineering applications.

This study focuses on tracking the performance of microelectrode arrays (MEAs) implanted in the primary motor cortex (M1) and the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) of marmosets. Researchers monitored several key metrics to assess the stability and quality of neural recordings:

Array Yield: The percentage of electrodes in the array that successfully recorded neuronal activity.
Neuronal Yield: The number of individual neurons ("single units") that could be isolated and identified during recording sessions.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): A measure of how clear and strong the neural signals were compared to background noise.

By tracking these metrics over extended periods, the researchers aimed to characterize the long-term viability of MEAs in the marmoset brain and identify the factors that contribute to signal degradation and failure.

The Future of Neural Interfaces: What This Means for You

This study provides valuable insights into the long-term performance of MEAs in the marmoset brain. The findings suggest that the marmoset model holds promise for advancing neural interface research, offering a more accessible and manageable platform for developing and testing new neuroprosthetic technologies. While challenges remain in optimizing MEA design and addressing failure modes, this research represents a significant step forward in our quest to unlock the full potential of brain-machine interfaces and restore lost function to those in need.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1088/2057-1976/aada67, Alternate LINK

Title: Long-Term Stability Of Neural Signals From Microwire Arrays Implanted In Common Marmoset Motor Cortex And Striatum

Subject: General Nursing

Journal: Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express

Publisher: IOP Publishing

Authors: Shubham Debnath, Noeline W Prins, Eric Pohlmeyer, Ramanamurthy Mylavarapu, Shijia Geng, Justin C Sanchez, Abhishek Prasad

Published: 2018-08-31

Everything You Need To Know

What are neuroprosthetics and why are they important?

Neuroprosthetics are devices designed to replace or augment lost function using interfaces with the nervous system. Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) are a crucial component of this technology, allowing direct communication between the brain and external devices, such as a robotic arm. The success of neuroprosthetics hinges on the ability to reliably capture neural signals over extended periods. This is where research into the stability of microelectrode arrays (MEAs) becomes vital, as it addresses the core challenge of ensuring BMIs function effectively long-term.

Why is the common marmoset used in this type of research?

The common marmoset is chosen as a model in neuroscience research due to its advantages over larger non-human primates (NHPs) like macaques. Marmosets are smaller, easier to handle, and have more manageable care requirements. Crucially, the marmoset brain shares organizational similarities with human brains. This makes them a suitable and accessible platform for studying neural interfaces and testing new neuroprosthetic technologies, offering insights that can be translated to human applications more readily than studies conducted on rodents.

What are microelectrode arrays (MEAs) and what metrics are used to assess their performance?

Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are small devices implanted in the brain to record neural activity. They consist of multiple electrodes that detect electrical signals produced by neurons. The array yield, neuronal yield, and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) are critical metrics used to assess the performance of MEAs. Array yield measures the percentage of electrodes successfully recording activity. Neuronal yield indicates the number of identifiable neurons. SNR reflects the clarity of the neural signals relative to the background noise. Tracking these metrics over time helps researchers understand signal degradation and the factors contributing to MEA failure, which is essential for developing reliable neuroprosthetics.

What are M1 and NAcc and why are they relevant to this research?

The primary motor cortex (M1) and the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) are key brain regions studied in this research using MEAs. M1 is responsible for motor control, making it a critical target for BMIs aimed at restoring movement. The NAcc plays a role in reward processing and motivation, which could be relevant for BMIs designed to treat neurological or psychological conditions. Studying these specific areas provides valuable data on the long-term performance of MEAs in regions directly involved in motor control and reward pathways, informing the design of more effective neuroprosthetic strategies.

What is the significance of this research for the future of neural interfaces?

This research is significant because it addresses the critical challenge of maintaining clear and stable neural signals over long periods, which is essential for the success of neuroprosthetics and BMIs. By focusing on MEA performance in marmosets, researchers can identify factors contributing to signal degradation and develop strategies to improve the longevity and reliability of these devices. The findings pave the way for advancements in neuroprosthetics, potentially leading to the development of more effective BMIs that can restore lost function and improve the quality of life for individuals with neurological impairments, such as those with spinal cord injuries.