In Melbourne, Australia, trials have commenced for an advanced brain implant that allows patients with ALS to control their phones using thought. This was reported by Herald Sun.

The Stentrode neurointerface, developed by Synchron, detects brain activity in the area responsible for movement. The technology then translates various "thoughts" into specific actions on a phone or computer, such as moving the cursor.

Surgical procedures are set to begin in April, marking the "world's first" trial of Synchron's new, more advanced implant, as highlighted by the Australian daily.

The implant captures brain activity in the movement area and converts impulses into specific actions on a phone or computer. Source: Herald Sun.

Peter Mitchell, one of the research leaders, noted that he has witnessed significant progress in surgery over the past 20-30 years, but "nothing compares to this."

"Transforming nerve impulses into actions in the external world simply by thought— I can't recall anything this advanced in neuroscience. This is the most futuristic concept," he stated.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have rapidly evolved in recent years, with Elon Musk's Neuralink being a prominent player in the field.

Synchron is the only company in the world that has successfully implanted a BCI into a human brain through blood vessels during clinical trials.

This innovative approach is considered a significant breakthrough as it is less invasive compared to traditional open-brain surgery.

How It Works

As part of a new study called FOCUS-AU, Synchron aims to recruit 10 ALS patients. The surgeries will take place at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

In the future, patients with other conditions are expected to be included.

The implant consists of three components:

  • tiny electrodes that capture brain activity;
  • a small device placed near the collarbone;
  • a thin cable for connection.

Synchron's CEO, Tom Oxley, explained that the electrodes "listen to brain activity like an antenna." They are "gently inserted through the neck into the brain via a blood vessel."

"The system enters the brain through a procedure similar to stent placement using a catheter. It is inserted into a vessel in the motor cortex, which controls the body," Oxley said.

The device reads brain activity. For instance, if a paralyzed person attempts to move their hand, a corresponding signal is transmitted. According to the CEO, this initially requires conscious effort, but eventually becomes "more natural."

"This way, people with paralysis or limited mobility can independently control devices without intermediaries. While it won't solve issues of personal hygiene or mobility, digital communication can significantly enhance independence," the scientist noted.

He added that the new model does not require an external module near the skin and can recognize up to 16 different commands.

Professor Mitchell, who performed the first human operation during trials in 2020, stated that electrodes need to be placed "within a few millimeters" of the target area in the brain.

"We simply follow the veins, turning left and right until we reach the right vessel," he said.

China Lags Behind

In August 2024, Neuralink's second patient, Alex, learned to play video games and use software for 3D object design just weeks after surgery. After connecting the system to a computer, the patient began controlling the cursor with thought in less than five minutes. A few hours later, he set a world record for speed and accuracy in mouse control using BCI, according to Neuralink.

In September, it was announced that the company plans to start testing the Blindsight device, which aims to restore vision. Musk emphasized that the gadget would enable even those who have lost both eyes and the optic nerve to see.

The leading state-backed Chinese BCI startup, NeuCyber Neurotech, stated that its advanced product is about three years behind Neuralink's developments.

The Beinao-2 is an invasive implant with flexible electrodes, fully integrated into the brain, and is currently undergoing extensive animal trials.

Neuralink's advantage lies in its surgical robot, which can insert hundreds of electrodes into the brain in just minutes for the N1 chip.

"The benchmark for Beinao-2 is Neuralink. We must acknowledge that we are about three years behind, as they already have over 20 patients using the technology," said NeuCyber's rotating CEO, Li Yuan.

In mid-March, China's regulator approved the country's first neuroimplant for commercial use. The technology was developed by Shanghai-based Neuracle Technology, which specializes in neurointerfaces.

Beijing has included BCI in its list of key strategic industries for the future in its latest five-year plan, placing the technology alongside quantum computers, AI, and nuclear fusion.

Previously, two paralyzed individuals were able to type on a virtual keyboard thanks to an implant that decodes attempts to move their fingers.