Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic vestibular stimulation (MVS) system for rehabilitation of subjects with vestibular and balance disorders. The magnetic vestibular stimulation system includes a magnet and a cooling system. In some embodiments, the subject wears video goggles in order to stimulate the subject to orient to a virtual reality. The subject can lie, sit or stand in or near a strong magnetic field generated by the system. The magnetic field generated by the system stimulates the vestibular system to counteract the inherent imbalance created by a naturally-occurring vestibular disorder. Particularly important, the direction and amplitude of vestibular stimulation can be easily manipulated by altering the orientation and distance of the head relative to the magnetic field vector. Thus, MVS can be precisely tailored to a patient's specific pattern of vestibular disturbance.

Abstract: A system and method for conditioning a tissue are provided. The system includes a substrate, a plurality of microwells formed in the substrate, and a microsphere associated with each of the plurality of microwells. The system also includes a pair of flexible pillars within each of the plurality of microwells. Each flexible pillar includes a first end bonded to a respective microwell and at least one flexible pillar has a second end bonded to the microsphere. The flexible pillars are configured to deflect when exposed to a magnetic field to controllably stretch microtissue spanning the flexible pillars.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic vestibular stimulation (MVS) system for rehabilitation of subjects with vestibular and balance disorders. The magnetic vestibular stimulation system includes a magnet and a cooling system. In some embodiments, the subject wears video goggles in order to stimulate the subject to orient to a virtual reality. The subject can lie, sit or stand in or near a strong magnetic field generated by the system. The magnetic field generated by the system stimulates the vestibular system to counteract the inherent imbalance created by a naturally-occurring vestibular disorder. Particularly important, the direction and amplitude of vestibular stimulation can be easily manipulated by altering the orientation and distance of the head relative to the magnetic field vector. Thus, MVS can be precisely tailored to a patient's specific pattern of vestibular disturbance.

Abstract: A system and method for conditioning a tissue are provided. The system includes a substrate, a plurality of microwells formed in the substrate, and a microsphere associated with each of the plurality of microwells. The system also includes a pair of flexible pillars within each of the plurality of microwells. Each flexible pillar includes a first end bonded to a respective microwell and at least one flexible pillar has a second end bonded to the microsphere. The flexible pillars are configured to deflect when exposed to a magnetic field to controllably stretch microtissue spanning the flexible pillars.