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The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) is an independent academy with a mission “...to promote engineering and economic sciences and the advancement of business and industry for the benefit of society.” We bring together leading engineers, economists, researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders in business and the public sector, who contribute generously to IVA’s operations through their intellectual capital and their engagement.

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IVA believes in humanity’s capacity to contribute positively to society through the engineering and economic sciences. We run a number of projects and programmes, produce reports, knowledge bases and policy proposals, and organise open seminars and meetings nationwide. We also recognise and encourage the efforts of others by awarding distinctions and grants.

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BrainFlow: currents that treat and clean the brain

BrainFlow: currents that treat and clean the brain

Disrupted brain-fluid flow causes edema after stroke and trauma, while impaired protein clearance is linked to Alzheimer’s. BrainFlow applies electroosmosis – a classical physical phenomenon discovered in the early 19th century – in a new way to reduce edema and support brain-waste clearance.

Year:

2026

University:

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Responsible Researcher:

CTO Teng Wang Ph.D.; Prof. Svein Kleiven Ph.D.; Prof. Shilei Ni Ph.D.; Assoc. Prof. Xiaogai Li Ph.D.

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We apply electroosmosis for edema treatment: weak electrical currents induce brain-fluid flow through scalp electrodes, guided by subject-specific modeling. Preclinical validation across two species shows 60–70% edema reduction, with no tissue damage observed, reduced inflammation, and neural protection. Together, these findings support BrainFlow’s potential as a new therapy for cerebral edema. Beyond edema treatment, the same fluid-control principle may support brain-waste clearance, opening new possibilities for Alzheimer’s treatment and healthy aging.