“The Race to Put Brain Implants in People is Heating Up”

Neurotech is at a pivotal stage, Wired reports. While some technologies avoid penetrating the brain, others focus on more complex actions that may require deeper brain integration. The success of these devices as practical, effective medical tools remains to be seen, but the growing interest and investment in BCIs suggest a promising future for this technology.

Elon Musk's Neuralink has announced its intention to begin clinical trials for its BCI, which is designed to enable paralyzed individuals to control digital interfaces using their thoughts.

Synchron's unique stent-like brain implant, which avoids open brain surgery, has demonstrated stable signal quality over a year in four paralyzed patients in Australia, allowing them to perform online activities. Meanwhile, New York-based Precision Neuroscience has developed a less invasive thin film array and is conducting experiments to record brain activity, with plans for expansion in the near future.

Several companies are focusing on specific applications of BCIs. For instance, Precision Neuroscience aims to use its technology for aiding paralyzed individuals and treating neurological disorders. Motif Neurotech is working on a device for mental health conditions, employing a less invasive method of implantation in the skull. Their preliminary research indicates effective brain stimulation without direct brain contact. Similarly, Forest Neurotech is exploring the use of ultrasound in BCIs for psychiatric and cognitive disorders, aiming to miniaturize ultrasound in a neural implant.