Brain-computer startup implants the first device in a human brain in the US
Man and machine are finally uniting. The 21st century is helping humans expand their capabilities and improve their overall well-being thanks to the new technological development. The recent developments in Brain-computer startups are becoming the talk of the town thanks to their extravaganza promises.
On 6th July, 2022 a doctor at Mount Sinai West Medical Centre in New York inserted a 1.5-inch long implant in a patient having ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). The device will help the patient who lost the ability to move or speak, now he will be able to surf the internet and communicate with others using text and email and to do all this, he just has to think about it.
Synchron - An American brain-computer startup is behind the creation of this device that was implanted for the first time in a human patient in the United States. The company has implanted their device in four patients in Australia. Synchron’s Stentrode system has kicked off FDA authorization to convert the thoughts of people into actions.
One notable thing that makes this technology stand apart from other competitors is that unlike other companies Synchron’s technology does not require open brain surgery or drilling inside the skull. It can be placed in the desired place with a minimal invasive surgery that takes around 2 hours. In comparison Neuralink - a company founded by Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk approaches the problem in a different manner. Neuralink is working on a device called “Link” which will have micron-scale neural threads that will be inserted inside a patient’s skull by a robot. However, the company is yet to receive FDA approval for human trials.
There are multiple companies working on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) with the goal to provide a direct communication link between a computer and the brain. The aim is to restore the capability lost by a patient for now and hopefully in future enhance the current capability of the human brain.
The expectations from these companies have been building up, but we have to keep in mind this technology is still in its infancy, similar to Quantum Computing or Virtual Reality which claims to transform the world and take us into the next era.
We will leave it on time to decide what’s next, however, one thing can be said, the days of cyborgs aren’t far away!
If you are interested in working for companies that are working on next-level technology and making big progress in the field of medical science, you can check out Docthub Jobs and find your suitable match.
