A new operating room breakthrough in Michigan promises to reshape the future of medicine for individuals trapped in severe paralysis. Paradromics, an Austin-based company, has tested its Connexus Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) device on a human patient, marking a critical milestone in their mission to restore communication.
The procedure involves implanting a small device with tiny wires that can record signals from individual neurons, allowing for high data rates and unlocking vast amounts of information. In animal studies, the device achieved speeds north of 130 bits per second, outperforming Elon Musk’s Neuralink BCI trials by 10 to 20 times.
Paradromics CEO Matt Angle emphasizes the company’s commitment to patient safety, stating that “patient safety is our North Star.” The successful human trial aims to restore speech in patients with severe paralysis and paves the way for a future where no one is locked in silence.
The technology has far-reaching implications, reframing complex biology problems as solvable technology issues. With this breakthrough, Paradromics is one step closer to changing lives and creating new possibilities for individuals affected by paralysis.
Source: https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/austins-paradromics-advances-brain-computer-interface-with-successful-surgery