Neuromodulation, or intervention of nerve activity, addresses pain and its sources, often nerve related. By manipulating diseased nerve tissues, the nerve can be repaired and the pain can be reduced.
However, neuromodulation has most commonly relied upon methods that are inherently invasive, because few options exist. Until now.
Yang is exploring a much less invasive approach using magnetic stimulation to support myelin, which is analogous to the insulation for nerves. With the support of the NSF award, Yang’s Magnetic Stimulation and Myelination (“MSTIM”) project will explore ways to protect, repair and regenerate nerves through his novel technology.
Yang is also pursuing whether electrical impulses that directly alter the pain signal may become a major source of treatment. Changing the path of pain through bioelectronics, rather than drugs or invasive techniques, has become his passion and research focus. Yang is now inspired to discover if this type of treatment can be an answer to treating any nerve-related condition.
“Ultimately, this research will generate techniques and tools that will advance medical device development and lead to innovative treatments for neurological diseases,” said Yang. He explained that academics is also significant to the growth of the field. “Educational components, including hands-on training, are key to sustaining and expanding neural engineering research at UNC Charlotte.”
By advancing bioengineering technology, Yang will help improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of patients.
