Tag: Neuralink

  • Sam Altman to Invest in Rival of Neuralink, Reports Indicate

    Sam Altman to Invest in Rival of Neuralink, Reports Indicate

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sam Altman is considering investing in Merge Labs, a company competing with Neuralink in brain-computer interface technology.
    2. Altman believes that the integration of humans and technology is already happening and will progress rapidly.
    3. Neuralink has made significant advancements in brain implant technology and is currently conducting trials for ALS patients.
    4. If Altman invests in Merge Labs, the company will need to quickly advance to compete with Neuralink’s progress.
    5. There is no formal agreement yet on the investment, but Altman’s interest in human-machine merging suggests it may happen soon.

    OpenAI’s head, Sam Altman, has found himself in a number of public and legal disputes with Elon Musk, who co-founded Neuralink and leads Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, among other ventures. The two have been openly at odds, and now Altman is looking to invest in a competing company to Neuralink: Merge Labs.

    Altman’s Investment Plans

    According to a report by the Financial Times, Altman is currently in talks with Merge Labs to provide financial support. This startup is focused on creating brain-computer interfaces, akin to the technology developed by Neuralink.

    Altman’s Vision

    Since 2017, Altman has expressed thoughts on the integration of humans and technology. On his personal blog, he stated: “I believe the merge has already begun, and we are several years into it. (…) It’s likely to occur sooner than most anticipate. The hardware is progressing at an exponential pace.”

    Neuralink has achieved notable progress in brain implant technology. The company is presently conducting trials of its interface in the UK for individuals with limited or no hand function due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Earlier trials in the US, known as the Prime trials, showed encouraging results.

    The Road Ahead for Merge Labs

    Should Merge Labs receive Altman’s investment, it will need to rapidly advance to match Neuralink’s achievements. Reports indicate that the company is also collaborating with Alex Blania, the CEO of Tools for Humanity, which Altman co-founded.

    As of now, there has been no formal agreement or announcement regarding this potential investment. However, Altman’s keen interest in the merging of humans and machines makes this a likely development. In his blog, he noted: “The merge can take many shapes: We could insert electrodes into our brains, or we could just become very close friends with a chatbot. But I believe a merge is probably the best-case scenario for us.”

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  • BCI Helps Frontal Lobe Epilepsy Patient Play Black Myth: Wukong

    BCI Helps Frontal Lobe Epilepsy Patient Play Black Myth: Wukong

    Key Takeaways

    1. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) connect the human brain to computers to assist those with movement disabilities.
    2. A Chinese BCI, developed by Brain Tiger Technology and others, allowed a patient to play complex games after only 20 hours of training.
    3. The BCI features a 256-channel flexible interface, enabling the patient to control a cursor at 4.07 bits per second almost immediately.
    4. The trial successfully identified and removed the source of the patient’s epilepsy without causing functional impairment.
    5. Brain Tiger Technology plans to conduct more clinical trials later this year, showing promise for future advancements in BCI technology.

    Brain-computer Interface (BCI) is a system that connects the human brain to a computer, aiming to help those who have lost their ability to move. One notable example is Elon Musk’s Neuralink, but there are other technologies available as well. A recent report highlights a significant advancement in a Chinese BCI during its clinical trial phase, allowing a patient to engage in complex games like Black Myth: Wukong.

    Breakthroughs in BCI Technology

    According to a translation from IT Home, Brain Tiger Technology, along with the Tianqiao Brain Science Institute (TCCI) and researchers from the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have achieved new heights in BCI technology. The BCI, which utilizes the XessOS brain-computer operating system created by Brain Tiger Technology, was implanted in a 19-year-old with right frontal lobe epilepsy. After nearly 20 hours of training, the patient demonstrated the ability to play complex games such as Honor of Kings and Black Myth: Wukong.

    Remarkable Achievements in Control

    The patient was able to execute precise brain control operations, tracked in real-time by the research team through local field potential signals (LFP). This particular BCI features a 256-channel flexible interface, showing that the subject could control a cursor at a rate of 4.07 bits per second (BPS) in under 20 hours (specifically, 19.87 hours). The report mentions that Neuralink managed to reach 4.6 BPS, but this was after 60 hours of training. Recently, Neuralink has claimed that Noland Arbaugh, the first person to receive the implant, has achieved a speed of over nine BPS since the chip was implanted in January 2024.

    Positive Outcomes and Future Plans

    Moreover, the IT Home report reveals that the patient remained in stable condition throughout the trial; doctors utilized the BCI to identify the source of the epileptic lesion and successfully performed surgery to remove it, resulting in no functional impairment after recovery. The team at Brain Tiger Technology is optimistic about conducting similar clinical trials later this year.

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  • Elon Musk Announces Neuralink Brain Implant Trial for Blind in 2025

    Elon Musk Announces Neuralink Brain Implant Trial for Blind in 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Elon Musk’s Neuralink aims to implant a brain-computer interface (BCI) called Blindsight in a blind person by the end of 2025 to enable low-resolution vision.
    2. Neuralink has secured patents for Blindsight, as well as for initial implants named Telepathy and a trademark called Telekinesis.
    3. The Blindsight BCI uses tiny electrodes in the visual cortex to activate neurons, generating visuals that the brain interprets as sight, initially in low resolution.
    4. The visuals provided by Blindsight will be similar to 8-bit graphics, with future potential enhancements for better imagery and additional wavelengths like infrared and ultraviolet.
    5. Human trials for the Telepathy chip are ongoing, and 2025 could mark the first instance of the Blindsight implant restoring vision for a person.

    Elon Musk has assured his supporters that by the end of 2025, his brain-computer interface (BCI) company Neuralink will implant a chip in a blind person, enabling them to see, albeit in low resolution.

    Blindsight and Patents

    The new BCI is named Blindsight, and Neuralink has already secured a patent for this name. They also have patents for their initial implant designed for paraplegics, called Telepathy, and a new trademark known as Telekinesis. The patent for the term Telekinesis seems to be used similarly to Telepathy, based on the details outlined in the USPTO filing.

    How It Works

    The Blindsight BCI functions by placing a patented array of tiny electrodes in the visual cortex area, activating neurons to generate visuals that the brain interprets as sight, although it’s in low resolution at the beginning.

    Graphics Quality

    So, how low are these visuals? Musk has said that Blindsight will provide images akin to 8-bit graphics, resembling those from classic Atari games available on Amazon. However, Neuralink aims to enhance the imagery in the future. Musk emphasized, “To manage expectations, the initial vision will be low resolution, similar to Atari graphics, but it has the potential to surpass natural vision and allow you to see in infrared, ultraviolet, or even radar wavelengths.” This statement was made when the FDA awarded the Blindsight implant a Breakthrough Device Designation in September, which clears the way for human trials.

    Progress with Monkeys

    On stage, Musk confirmed that Blindsight has been successfully implanted in monkeys for several years. He reiterated that this new brain chip could ultimately provide “superhuman” vision.

    Human Trials

    The Telepathy chip is currently being tested on three human subjects with spinal cord injuries or ALS. The year 2025 might be significant as it could be the first instance when the Blindsight BCI implant restores some level of vision for a person.

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  • New Study Shows How Brain Memory Encoding Can Boost AI and Learning

    New Study Shows How Brain Memory Encoding Can Boost AI and Learning

    A new study named "Human hippocampal and entorhinal neurons encode the temporal structure of experience" looks into how our brains organize memories by recognizing patterns over time, often without our conscious awareness. The research focuses on neurons in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, two important areas in the brain tied to memory and learning.

    Study Overview

    Researchers observed the brain activity of 17 epilepsy patients who had tiny electrodes implanted in their brains to monitor electrical activity. This setup allowed scientists to directly see how neurons responded when individuals were presented with patterns or sequences of images. During the experiment, patients viewed about 120 images of various subjects, including people, animals, objects, and landmarks, within a 40-minute timeframe, all shown in a specific order. The team examined how neurons in the hippocampus, crucial for memory storage and retrieval, and the entorhinal cortex, which helps process time and space, reacted to these images.

    Key Findings

    One significant discovery was that the neurons gradually changed their activity as the patients viewed the images, even though the participants were unaware of any pattern. The neurons recorded both what the images were ("what" information) and the order in which they appeared ("when" information). This process created a representation of the sequence, known as encoding temporal sequences, revealing how the brain keeps track of events over time. Even when the images were displayed in a random order later, the neurons still recalled the original sequence.

    Another interesting aspect of the study was neuronal replay, where neurons quickly replayed the same sequence of events during pauses. This rapid replay is thought to assist the brain in consolidating or integrating the memory of the sequence. The researchers noted similarities in how the brain encodes spatial and temporal information, suggesting that the same mechanisms might be at play whether navigating through physical space or tracking a timeline of events.

    Implications of the Research

    What does this research mean for us? The brain is incredibly complex, and understanding how it organizes experiences into predictable patterns could be groundbreaking. Even without us being aware, our neurons are actively interpreting the world, arranging both space and time to help us remember and anticipate future occurrences.

    The findings could have practical applications in various fields, such as education, where they might improve learning strategies by organizing material in ways that align with how the brain naturally processes information, potentially enhancing memory retention. In healthcare, this research could inform therapies for memory-related disorders like Alzheimer’s. Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning could arise from emulating the brain’s predictive capabilities, resulting in more intelligent and adaptable technologies.

    Furthermore, brain-machine interfaces, similar to Neuralink, could utilize temporal encoding to assist individuals with neurological impairments, enhancing their control over prosthetics or communication devices. Lastly, there is potential to improve mental health treatments, especially for conditions like PTSD, by targeting how traumatic memories are encoded and accessed, providing new strategies to manage intrusive thoughts.

    UCLA Health via Nature

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  • Elon Musk: Neuralink to Implant Chips in 1,000+ Patients by 2026

    Elon Musk: Neuralink to Implant Chips in 1,000+ Patients by 2026

    Elon Musk’s Neuralink, a firm focused on developing brain-computer interfaces, has set a lofty goal: implanting chips in over 1,000 patients by 2026. The announcement was made on Musk’s X (Twitter) platform on July 11th.

    Life-Changing Technology for Paralyzed Patients

    The technology has proven to be transformative for some individuals. Noland Arbaugh, the first person to receive a Neuralink implant, shared publicly how it has enhanced his life. Previously paralyzed from the neck down, Arbaugh faced challenges in interacting with technology. Post-surgery, he can now use devices and even play video games effortlessly.

    Setbacks and Stability

    Despite the promising advancements, there have been obstacles. In May, a small wire in Arbaugh’s brain shifted. Nonetheless, a Neuralink executive recently assured that the brain-computer interface chip is now “more or less very stable.”

    Future Goals and Vision

    During a live broadcast earlier on July 11th (Beijing time), Musk detailed Neuralink’s future objectives. He aims to implant the chip in thousands of patients over the next few years. Neuralink’s technology enables patients to control robotic limbs with their minds, surpassing the speed of natural brain-limb connections. Musk envisions an even bigger mission: creating a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence to mitigate the risks AI poses to civilization.

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  • Successful Implantation of First Neuralink in a Human Patient

    Successful Implantation of First Neuralink in a Human Patient

    A Monumental Moment in Technology and Medicine: Neuralink Successfully Implants Brain-Chip in Human Patient

    In a groundbreaking achievement, Neuralink, the brain-chip startup founded by Elon Musk, announced the successful implantation of its device in a human patient. Elon Musk took to social media today to reveal this monumental moment, stating that the patient is in good health following the procedure.

    A Significant Milestone in Brain-Computer Interfaces

    This achievement is not only a testament to Neuralink’s ambition but also a significant milestone in the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for human trials, paving the way for this momentous occasion. The ultimate goal of these trials is to empower paralysis patients to control digital interfaces, such as computer cursors or keyboards, solely through their thoughts.

    The Telepathy Implant: Science Fiction Becomes Reality

    The procedure, performed with utmost precision by a surgical robot, involves the placement of an implant in the brain region responsible for movement intention. Made up of ultra-fine threads, the implant detects neural signals, translating thoughts into actions in the digital realm. Neuralink aptly named its first product “Telepathy,” a fitting choice for a technology that seems like it belongs in the realm of science fiction.

    Scrutiny and Concerns Surrounding Neuralink

    While there is much optimism surrounding this development, it is crucial to acknowledge the scrutiny Neuralink has faced. Concerns have been raised regarding the company’s safety protocols, particularly in light of a fine imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation for mishandling hazardous materials. Additionally, a group of lawmakers has called for an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission into potential misrepresentations by Musk regarding the safety of Neuralink’s technology, following reports of adverse effects in animal trials.

    Despite these challenges, the successful implantation of Neuralink’s brain-chip in a human patient marks a significant step forward in the field of brain-computer interfaces. With further research and development, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the lives of individuals with paralysis and other neurological conditions, opening up new possibilities for communication and control.

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