China has become the second country in the world to initiate clinical trials of surgically implanted brain-computer interface (BCI) devices in humans, following the United States and Elon Musk's Neuralink, according to the South China Morning Post. The device, measuring 26 millimeters in diameter and less than 6 millimeters in thickness, is the smallest BCI implant globally, almost half the size of Neuralink's device.
The clinical trials are being spearheaded by Huashan Hospital in Shanghai and Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing, aiming to assist individuals with neurological problems. The project is the culmination of five years of collaborative research by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and neurosurgeons from Huashan Hospital, announced by the Shanghai Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligent Technology (CEBSIT).
A tetraplegic patient, who lost all four limbs due to an accident, received the brain implant and was able to control video games with his mind just weeks after the procedure, marking a milestone for neurotechnology in China. Researchers noted the speed with which the patient adapted to the system, demonstrating the BCI's ability to restore digital interaction in people with severe motor disabilities.
"The electrode is so soft that the force needed to bend it is comparable to the force of interaction between two neurons in the brain," explained Zhao Zhengtuo, the head of the research team, according to Excelsior. The unique electrodes of the device are thinner than a human hair, minimizing damage to brain tissue while providing high accuracy in reading neural signals.
According to the Global Times, "Developed and manufactured by the research group led by Zhao Zhengtuo, the neural electrodes of the Chinese team are the smallest in size and the most flexible in the world, with a cross-sectional area of only one-fifth to one-seventh of the area of Neuralink's electrodes." The Chinese implant features neural electrodes designed by CEBSIT that measure only 1% of the diameter of a human hair.
The research team aims to develop a BCI that will allow patients to control robotic prostheses for simple actions, such as lifting a cup, and eventually for more complex manipulations, including moving robotic arms and holding objects. This technology opens new horizons for patients with complete paralysis, amputations, and neurodegenerative diseases.
BCI technology involves implanting electrodes in a person's brain to capture and analyze neural signals, translating thoughts into digital commands without the need for voice or movement. Chinese researchers are currently leading in the development of non-invasive BCIs, indicating increasing global interest and investment in BCI technology for therapeutic applications.
The competition between China and the United States in this field highlights the transformative potential of BCIs in the medical, technological, and social realms. This advancement adds to a global trend to accelerate the development of technologies that allow people with paralysis to regain control over digital devices through neural interfaces.
The system allows capturing in vivo neural signals with high density, performance, and stability, with the entire process from reading neural impulses to executing a command taking only tens of milliseconds. The developers emphasize that this device can offer an efficient, less invasive, and more affordable alternative for improving the quality of life of amputees and individuals with spinal cord injuries.
While BCIs still face challenges such as ensuring accuracy, stability, comfort, and aesthetics, the recent advancements in China represent a step forward. The researchers plan to conduct a series of small-scale trials on patients with paralysis or the nervous system disease ALS this year, offering hope for patients with such conditions.
BCIs could reshape daily life by enabling smart homes controlled by thought, astronauts operating equipment with their minds, or workers managing machines remotely. In education, real-time brainwave feedback from BCIs could support personalized learning and help overcome attention issues.
To scale up BCI technology, developers need to balance clinical benefits with cost-effectiveness and convince hospitals of its effectiveness. Educating the public, setting boundaries, and guarding against overhyping are essential for the successful adoption of BCI technology. The hardest part of adopting BCI technology is not the invention but the integration into people's lives.
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