A Neurotech History Series
How does a nerve cell produce an electrical signal? By the mid-twentieth century, scientists knew neurons were electrical, but no one understood the mechanism.
Working with the giant axon of the squid, Alan Hodgkin and Andrew Huxley measured the flow of ions across the neuronal membrane. Their mathematical model showed how sodium and potassium ions generate the action potential—the electrical impulse that carries information through the nervous system.
Their work remains one of the greatest achievements in neuroscience.
Modern neurotechnology, from neural simulations to brain-computer interfaces, is built on the principles they uncovered.
Last Updated on August 21, 2026 | Published: August 21, 2026