The Future Of Brain-Computer Interfaces
In a Nutshell
Max Hodak of Science Corp details their Prima retinal implant, which has restored form vision to over 40 blind patients via a 2mm silicon chip under the retina, bypassing dead rods/cones with laser-projected light on bipolar cells—published in NEJM, with approval imminent. BCIs mark a takeoff in neural engineering, starting with restoring sight/motor function for the disabled (e.g., kilobit/s decoding soon), evolving to superhuman enhancements via biohybrids and high-bandwidth links, amid neuroplasticity enabling rapid adaptation. Over 10 years, expect 20/20 color vision, full sensory restoration, and Profusion's portable perfusion for indefinite organ support, reframing medicine as brain-centric API engineering in an AI-BCI convergence era.
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First people to live to a thousand are alive right now. Biotech has been incremental, but now feels different. BCI (brain-computer interface) is not a specific product; multiple BCI companies targeting different applications with different probes. Firmly in takeoff era; something new has happened on Earth.
Max Hodak, co-founder of Neuralink and founder of Science Corp. Science announced more than 40 people received first BCI treatment restoring sight. Finished big clinical trial last year, published in New England Journal of Medicine in fall. Tiny 2mm x 2mm silicon chip implanted under retina. Array of solar panels. Patients wear glasses with camera and laser projector. Laser projects image; implant absorbs light, excites cells above it. Retinal stimulator bypasses dead rods and cones to restore visual signal. Big clinical trial in Europe across 17 sites showed huge effect. Submitting for approval; hope for market later this year.
Brain is powerful computer encased in skull, connected to world via handful of senses and motor control. Two main uses: replace natural connections (e.g., simulated reality/Matrix) or restore lost functionality (blindness, deafness, paralysis). Structural neural engineering: add new brain areas, understand information processing to build smarter machines or treat depression/addiction.
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