Rapid Advancements in Brain Computer Interface Contributing to the Progress of Neuroscience Translation Programs
Brain computer interface (BCI) is a computer-based system that utilizes brain signal and analyzes and translates them into commands that can be relayed on an output device to carry out a desired action. Brain computer interface technology is rapidly being incorporated into the treatment of patients suffering from cognitive or physical impairments. The technology holds a great deal of potential for enhancing quality of life of these patients by significantly improving their personal autonomy and mobility. Brain computer interface is often used as an assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative technology to monitor and study brain activity and translate specific signals that reflect the intent and aims of elderly people into commands that can operate any devices.
Brain computer interface provides direct communication link between brain and computer or other external devices. The provide extended degree of freedom by strengthening or substituting human peripheral working capacity and have potentially significant applications in affective computing, rehabilitation, robotics, gaming, and neuroscience, among others. Over the recent past, significant research efforts have been undertaken on a global scale to deliver common platforms for technology standardization and to understand highly complex and non-linear brain dynamics. BCI has been, over the years, envisioned as a potential technology for augmenting and replacing existing neural rehabilitations or serving assistive devices that are controlled directly by the brain.
Recently in April 2022, a research study was published demonstrating the success of an initial safety trial for an implantable device that can effectively translate electric impulses of brain into readable signals. This new brain computer interface, termed as brain modem, will be implanted through chest. Last monthn, New York-based Synchron announced results of a clinical trial of its two-piece brain modem in four patients with amylotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is a progressive neurodegenerative diseases that affects the spinal cord and brain. This was the first and foremost time the BCI was approved for clinical trials by the U.S. FDA. There were no adverse effects found during the trial that lead to disability or death. The devices enabled participants to use computer to communicate by text and efficiently perform daily tasks such as online shopping and banking.
In a recently published breakthrough study, engineers from the University of California, San Diego invented an advanced brian-computer interface (BCI) comprising of flexible and moldable backing and penetrating microneedles. The flexible backing enables the BCI to more evenly conform to the complex curved surface of the brain. These microneedles are 10 times thinner than human hair and are able to record signals from nerve cells in the cortex. The research study has been published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.
Major companies in the market include Mind Technologies, Inc., Medtronic, Nihon Kohden Corporation, CAS Medical Systems, Inc., Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc., EMOTIV, NeuroSky, G.Tec Medical Engineering GmbH, Integra LifeSciences, and Cortech Solutions, Inc. In March 2022, Snap Inc. announced acquisition of French neurotech startup NextMind to incorporate its non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) into future AR spectacles. Snap’s acquisition of NextMind is its latest endeavor in broadening its portfolio of AR hardware-related deals.
