DARPA launches SHINE program to target neural circuit repair

DARPA has launched the SHINE (Selective Harnessing of Intrinsic Neuroplasticity Engineering) program, which aims to assist injured brains in rebuilding damaged neural connections through non-invasive methods. The initiative focuses on targeting specific functional circuits to promote self-repair while minimizing impact on healthy brain regions.

The program addresses the critical issue of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is a significant concern for the US military due to exposure to explosions, shockwaves, and repetitive combat stressors. Current treatments often lack the precision to stimulate specific pathways without causing unintended side effects, a gap the SHINE project intends to bridge by leveraging the brain's natural neuroplasticity.