Magnetic brain cell technique developed that could treat depression

The experts hope the treatment may also lead to future, more gentle, therapies for a range of other neurological disorders, including epilepsy (Alamy/PA)

Scientists have developed a new technique to activate brain cells outside of the body, which they hope could pave the way for treatments for conditions such as depression.

The early-stage research in rats involved brain cells called astrocytes being stimulated externally using tiny micro-magnets, in a process called magnetomechanical stimulation.