Cristiana Silva

Ms. Cristiana Silva


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

9Years (2018-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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27 January 2018 in Micromachines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JFJose Fernandes
Jose Fernandes
EVEstelle Vendramini
Estelle Vendramini
AMAna Miranda
Ana Miranda
CSCristiana Silva
Cristiana Silva
HDHugo Dinis
Hugo Dinis
PMP. M. Mendes
P. M. Mendes
It is well known that neural activity can be modulated using a cooling device. The applications of this technique range from the treatment of medication-resistant cerebral diseases to brain functional mapping. Despite the potential benefits of such technique, its use has been limited due to the lack of suitable thermal modulators. This paper presents the design and validation of a solid-state cooler that was able to modulate the neural activity of rodents without the use of large and unpractical water pipes. A miniaturized thermal control solution based exclusively on solid-state devices was designed, occupying only 5 mm × 5 mm × 3 mm, and featuring the potential for wireless power and communications. The cold side of the device was cooled to 26 °C, while the hot side was kept below 43 °C. This range of temperatures is compatible with brain cooling and efficient enough for achieving some control of neural activity.