Shape-shifting electrodes for the brain: Materials that have memory could make medical implants easier to place - [News]

Getting neurons to communicate with electronics has always been hard-hard on the neurons, that is. Arrays of rigid metal electrodes implanted in the brain pierce blood vessels and dislodge support cells, causing the body to cover up the array with an insulating scar, which prevents many incoming signals from getting through. Engineers now think shape-memory materials could do the job much better, because they can be programmed to snake around blood vessels and climb nerves like a vine.