Neuralink Rival Sets A New Record For Number of Electrodes Placed On Human Brain

In the last few months, Elon Musk-led Neuralink was granted permission to carry out human trials for its brain-computer interface (BCI) device, which it implanted into a human brain in March 2024.

Noland Arbaugh, a 29-year-old quadriplegic who found himself paralyzed following a diving accident that occurred eight years prior to the surgery, was the human volunteer.

Earlier this month, Neuralink published updates about the patient, the project and the problems that were observed. Despite the slight setback, Neuralink and its PRIME Study participant remained positive about the study, as we await more details.

However, Neuralink might face competition from one of its rivals - Precision Neuroscience Corporation (Precision) - which recently revealed a major milestone in its own efforts to progress brain–computer interfaces.

So, what did the neurosciences company reveal? Let’s explore!
 

What Did Precision Neurosciences Announce?

 

• As per a published press release sourced from Precision Neuroscience, the brain-computer interface company announced that it had created a new world record for the number of electrodes placed on and recording cortical data from a human brain.

• The record was conducted along with a neurosurgery team from the Mount Sinai Health System and was reached in April 2024, as part of an ongoing clinical study testing the company’s implant.

• Precision’s new record stands at 4,096 neuron-tapping electrodes placed on a living human's brain, which beats the previous record of 2,048 set in 2023.

• Precision’s implant device, the Layer 7 Cortical Interface, is different from that of Neuralink’s as it’s less invasive. However, it serves a similar purpose: to restore speech and movement in patients, especially ones who have suffered a stroke or spinal cord injury and improve quality of life.

• Precision’s implant consists of a thin film microelectrode array that is engineered to conform to the brain's cortex without damaging tissue. These include 1,024 miniature electrodes packed into about 1.6 square centimeters.

• The device sits on the brain’s cortex without damaging tissue.

• It is planted using a minimally invasive insertion method, which includes cutting a thin slit in the skull and inserting a yellow film that is 20% less thick than a human hair.

• This film houses 1,024 electrodes that feed information to a processing unit that sits between the skull and the scalp.

• Implanted by a surgical robot, the device’s film is designed to slide off the brain without causing damage.

• Precision’s human patient received the implant while in surgery to remove a benign brain tumor.

• Precision Neuroscience was co-founded by Ben Rapoport, a neurosurgeon, engineer and co-founder of Neuralink in 2016. Rapoport, along with three colleagues (two who worked at Neuralink), founded Precision in 2021.

 

What Did Stakeholders Say?

 

• Benjamin Rapoport, MD, PhD, Precision’s co-founder and Chief Science Officer, said, “Precision’s brain–computer interface system was designed for scalability—meaning that we can continue to add electrodes to the surface of the brain without damaging tissue.”

• [Contd.] “This record is a significant step towards a new era. The ability to capture cortical information of this magnitude and scale could allow us to understand the brain in a much deeper way.”

• Joshua B. Bederson, MD, Chair of Neurosurgery for the Mount Sinai Health System, said, “It is easy to see the impact that high resolution cortical mapping could have in the operating room. It could be used to guide more precise and efficient procedures, which could potentially lead to better outcomes for patients.”

Do you think this move by Precision Neuroscience can help it challenge Neuralink and overtake the Elon Musk-led company to gain top spot? Do you think Neuralink needs to make similar moves?

Let us know in the comments below!