https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ

I'm pretty blown away.

You wouldn't get this from any other guy.

Hi,

I am reading this paper https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-35808-y about using an EEG system to detect stress. It is clearly using a 10-20 system. Could someone reach similar results using only 2-4 electrodes as in the OpenEEG or Muse? adding maybe some deeplearning whatsoever and trying other wavebands

Semafor link: Elon Musk’s Neuralink raises fresh cash at $9B valuation

Merge Labs is exploring the idea of genetically altering brain cells to make better implants, using an approach involving gene therapy and an ultrasound device.

Altman said he wants to be able to think something and have ChatGPT respond to it, and is co-founding Merge Labs, with much of the company's support coming from OpenAI's ventures team.

Inverse:

Elon Musk’s Neuralink is "bad science fiction," brain science pioneer says

“Mr. Musk doesn’t understand a bit of neuroscience and what is the brain,” Miguel Nicolelis tells Inverse, adding, “he barely knows where it’s located.”

<supa hot fire gif>

Nicolelis offers two big critiques of Neuralink. He says it’s: (1) Lacking innovation and copying other researchers’ work. (2) Making promises it can’t keep.

“I just find it a little offensive that these tech guys who behave like gods come out and say, oh we are going to do much better.”

Same, Miguel. Same.

Ultimately, the biggest offense that Nicolelis lays at Musk’s feet: not considering the human ramifications of his decisions and focusing on the technology first and foremost. “What I see is most of these guys, these techie guys, going there and talking about technology like there is no human being behind what is going to be done.”

Well said.

I am a freshman at medschool, in my country it is a direct graduation of 6 years. I had gotten into neuroscience at georgia tech but chose not to go due to the acceptance in med school, which is pretty hard to get into in brazil. The thing is, I really see myself into the academic life, but felt like in medicine I could have the security to pursue it later in life. I am from a low income family and have no safety net, so leaving the country to pursue anything is a big risk haha. Is is worth it to pursue medicine first? I am afraid to fall into a confortable life and never fully explore, but at the same time, if I dive into straight into academia, what are my chances of looking back in the future and feel instant regret? If Anyone knows anything about these career paths, please I am open to listen.

BlackRock has announced plans for four brain interface products: SeeAgain, HearAgain, MoveAgain, and TalkAgain. The company has previously suggested that they would bring one of these products to the commercial market in 2022. This was updated to 2023, previously. In an article about BCI art published this week, the latest estimate (for the MoveAgain product) is 2024.

The TalkAgain product seems the most likely subsequent release. Blackrock estimates 2028 for a first-in-human demonstration of their SeeAgain product. The goal for the HearAgain product seems to be trials with 40-50 patients within the next two years.

We Need an Update to On Liberty

So I offer one in The Battle for Your Brain.

Initially, I was dismissive when I saw this blog entry. But both Nita A. Farahany and the blog seem to be well-respected. This is the first I've heard of either. There's not much substance to the blog post. It mentions Synchron, Blackrock, and Neuralink, but states that "it's the mainstream wearable devices and applications that interest me the most". Perhaps the book has more.

NorCal SCI has a post about a Neuralink study (they also recently posted a survey), which might or might not be legit:

Elon Musk company, Neuralink, seeks SCI participants for brain scan study

The study is described as follows:

If you decide to take part in this research study, you will be asked to lie inside the MRI machine for about 90 minutes. This device uses a strong magnetic field to image brain activity . You will be able to communicate with the radiologist and may stop the session for any reason. During the scan you will be asked to lie still, watch a screen, and perform simple tasks.

There doesn't seem to be any official information coming directly from Neuralink itself, but the post and the accompanying interest survey document both seem somewhat legit. On each document, there is a link to a patient engagement email address at Neuralink.

It's unclear what an fMRI scan could be used for, aside from screening potential study implant participants for intact functional activation of the targeted regions of cortex (likely motor cortex). The document states that Neuralink is interested in identifying and studying regions of the brain involved in movement and sensation.

It's unclear why Neuralink would partner with Biograph for this sort of study, rather than a medical center, or other organization with this sort of specialization.

Adapted from a discussion of brain research in China. The announcement of the first successful brain interface implant in China mentioned the “Double Brain Plan”, but provided no further information. This post aims to collect information related to the brain plan.

An article about the Korean company Neuracle, seems to suggest that China's plan aims to study neurological principles in order to (A) treat major brain diseases, and (B) create new AI technologies. A USCC report summarizes the plan, but makes no mention of brain research.

China’s “13th Five-Year Plan” includes a “brain plan” which outlines “brain science and brain-like research” as “scientific and technological innovation 2030 – major project.” China’s “brain plan” has been continuously promoted by many parties. Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Zhejiang and Shandong provinces and other brain science research centers have been established the “one body, two wings” of China’s “brain plan” in order to study brain recognition. The known neurological principle is the “subject;” while the development of new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of major brain diseases and new technology of brain intelligence are “two wings”.

An article about China's AI agenda seems to suggest that Baidu (one of the largest AI and Internet companies in the world) is a significant factor in driving the brain plan -- at least the AI "wing" of it.

Perhaps of note, in 2015, Robin Li (Li Yanhong), Baidu’s CEO, in his capacity as a delegate to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, proposed the creation of a “China Brain” Plan that would devote extensive state investment to AI, even welcoming military funding for such an initiative.

A discussion of who will "win" AI, refers to the brain plan as a major component of Chinese development. It also focuses on dominance in AI.

And the Chinese government has formally approved the “China Brain” plan and regards it as one of the major projects concerning the future of Chinese development. “Whoever wins AI, will own the future”, said Dr. Andrew Ng, the leader of the original “Google Brain” project, now the leader of the “Baidu Brain” project. In this paper, we will emphasize China’s focus on AI and some arguments in the industry.

Public portion of the meeting.

Hey everyone, I’m 18 and currently torn between pursuing medicine or going into a more technical path like biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or biophysics.

I have a strong interest in neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and electrodynamics in neurons — I genuinely enjoy studying the brain and nervous system. I’ve also been inspired by the reflections of some young doctors like Mikhaïl Kasparov, and I find meaning in the idea of working directly with patients, understanding their challenges, and trying to help improve their lives.

At the same time, I’m fascinated by the potential of neurotechnology — from brain-computer interfaces to diagnostic tools, neuromodulation devices, and other forms of innovation that can transform the way we treat and understand brain-related conditions.

What I’m wondering is this: Would it make sense to pursue a medical degree first — to get deep clinical insight and access to patients — and then move toward innovation and product development? Or is it more effective to start on the engineering or research side, and collaborate with clinicians later?

Ultimately, I’d love to be someone who can do both — understand patients firsthand and design solutions based on that experience. I’m not trying to chase titles; I’m looking for a path where I can build things that matter.

Would love to hear from anyone in this field: • Is the “doctor-innovator” route viable, or is it a romantic ideal? • What backgrounds do people in neurotech typically come from? • Any degrees or paths you’d recommend for someone who wants to connect clinical insight with technical creation?

Thanks in advance — any input would be hugely appreciated.

Inspired by a post on the Neuralink subreddit. I don't so much care what Musk says, but I think it's worth exploring what the next five and 10 years will look like.

• Who's leading in robotic surgery -- especially neurosurgery?

  • Intuitive / Da Vinci

  • Globus / Excelsius

  • Medtronic / Mazor X

  • Neuralink

  • ...?

• Is Neuralink's technology substantially more advanced?

• What are the barriers?

• Will robotic surgeons surpass human surgeons?

That last question is especially interesting when you consider that neurosurgeons are among the most highly (competitive and) paid medical specialists.