By Sam Blanchard Health Reporter For Mailonline
Published: 18:53 BST, 4 April 2019 | Updated: 18:54 BST, 4 April 2019
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A transparent mouse skull which can be used as a window to the brain could provide new insights into human brain conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed the implant as an 'unprecedented' way to monitor and visualise brain activity.
Named the See-Shell, it's a 3D-printed replica of the animal's skull which can be used to surgically replace part of the mouse's head.
Once in place, the See-Shell allows researchers to both record brain activity and take photos or video of the brain's surface in real time.
The See-Shell allows scientists to see mice's brains in real time and picture changes in electrical activity as different areas of the organ are stimulated
Scientists at the University of Minnesota developed the implant as a way of getting a better insight into the live brain's workings.
And, because mouse brains are so similar to human brains, what the See-Shell shows could translate to human medical research.
It could shine a light on illnesses like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's and injuries such as concussions.
Timothy Ebner, a co-author of the study said: 'These are studies we couldn’t do in humans, but they are extremely important in our understanding of how the brain works so we can improve treatments for people who
