Neuroscience News from Around the World (7-9): BCI and Neural Interfaces

7. Neuralink: Human Trials Have Begun

Elon Musk's company Neuralink successfully conducted its first human trial (the PRIME study). The patient was able to control a computer cursor, play games, and post on social media using the power of thought. The FDA-approved clinical trial is ongoing.

8. Speech Prosthesis: From Thought to Voice

Systems that decode speech from the brain signals of ALS and paralysed patients have been developed.^1,2 This technology can restore the power of communication to patients who have lost their ability to speak.

9. Non-Invasive BCI: Non-Surgical Solutions

EEG-based non-invasive BCI systems are also developing rapidly. Tech giants like Meta and Apple are making significant investments in BCI research. In the future, typing, translating, and controlling devices with thought may become possible.

Ethical Debates

Brain data privacy (neurodata), freedom of mind, inequality in BCI access, potential for military use, and the blurring of the human-machine boundary are important topics of ethical debate. UNESCO and the Council of Europe are preparing regulations within the framework of "neurorights".³

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