Summary:
Neurotechnology company Paradromics has achieved a major milestone by successfully implanting its brain-computer interface (BCI), Connexus, in a human for the first time. The 20-minute procedure marks the beginning of clinical testing for a device designed to help individuals with severe movement impairments communicate through thought.
First Human Test of Connexus Brain Implant Completed
Paradromics, a Texas-based neurotech startup, has transitioned from years of development into human trials with its innovative brain-computer interface, Connexus. In a landmark event, the device was implanted and later removed during a routine epilepsy surgery at the University of Michigan — all within approximately 20 minutes.
This brief yet groundbreaking procedure demonstrated that the Connexus device can be implanted safely and that it effectively records neural activity, setting the stage for its first human clinical trial.
What Is a Brain-Computer Interface?
A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a device that decodes brain signals and converts them into commands for digital systems. These systems are particularly promising for individuals with paralysis or neurological disorders. Paradromics’ Connexus BCI aims to help such patients communicate by translating their thoughts into text or speech through AI-powered software.
Inside the Connexus Device: Engineering Precision
The Connexus system stands out due to its high-resolution design. It uses 421 microelectrodes—each finer than a strand of human hair—to capture signals directly from individual neurons. Housed in a body made from biocompatible metals like titanium and platinum-iridium, the implant is built for long-term use within the human body.
The data captured by the brain implant travels via a thin wire to a second device implanted in the chest. From there, the signals are wirelessly transmitted to an external device such as a computer or smartphone. Advanced software then processes the signals, transforming brain activity into functional outputs like speech or digital commands.
Step-by-Step: How Connexus Works
- Surgical Implantation: The BCI is placed under the scalp by a neurosurgeon.
- Signal Detection: Electrodes monitor brain activity from motor cortex neurons.
- Data Transmission: Signals travel to a chest-mounted unit via a connecting wire.
- Wireless Output: The chest unit sends the data wirelessly to a device.
- Thought Translation: AI decodes the neural signals into usable outputs like text or speech.
This technology could be transformative for individuals with conditions like ALS or spinal cord injuries, restoring a sense of independence by enabling communication through thought alone.
Leading the Procedure and Technological Edge
The human implant trial was led by Dr. Oren Sagher and Dr. Matthew Willsey, both neurosurgeons at the University of Michigan. Dr. Willsey noted that the Connexus device has more than four times the number of sensors compared to similar technologies, allowing it to capture much more detailed neural data.
A Growing Field of Competitors
Paradromics is not alone in the race to perfect brain-computer interface technology. Other companies, including Neuralink, Synchron, and Precision Neuroscience, are also pursuing similar goals. However, Paradromics focuses on gathering detailed data from individual brain cells, which could enable more natural and nuanced communication for users. Company CEO Matt Angle likens it to placing microphones inside a stadium to capture individual conversations rather than just the crowd noise.
Funding, Partnerships, and Future Plans
To date, Paradromics has secured nearly $100 million in funding and is collaborating with NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s smart city initiative. The company is also enrolled in the FDA’s Breakthrough Devices Program, which is designed to accelerate the approval process for pioneering medical technologies.
Later this year, Paradromics plans to launch full-scale clinical trials targeting individuals with severe motor impairments due to ALS, stroke, or spinal cord injury. The aim is to offer these patients a new way to engage with the world through digital communication tools.
Source: Fox News
gyanugenai 
Leave a comment