The Rise Of Brain Implant Devices

A cryptocurrency firm, Tether has made a substantial £160 million investment in Blackrock Neurotech, a U.S.-based brain implant company specialising in brain-to-computer interfaces. The deal was finalised after months of thorough research and values the company at around £280 million, making Tether the largest shareholder.

Blackrock Neurotech focuses on developing neural implants that enable users to control computers and prosthetic limbs without physical movement, providing innovative solutions for individuals with physical disabilities.

Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO says the investment will be mainly used to commercialise and expand Blackrock Neurotech’s technology, which has already been used in more than 40 individuals. The funding intends to accelerate the roll-out of these advanced neural implants to more patients who can benefit from them.

Tether, known for its dollar-pegged cryptocurrency, has made major investments in differenttechnology sectors. Its venture arm, Tether Evo, focuses on innovative projects where technology and human abilities intersect.

In them investing in Blackrock Neurotech, Tether is supporting the growth of brain implant technology to better the quality of life for those with neurological conditions.

Brain Implant Technology Sees Growth

Brain implant technology has seen a surge in innovation due to growing interest in restoring lost limb function. The University of Cambridge’s biohybrid device intends to address this need by combining flexible electronics and human stem cells, which could improve the connection between nerves and prosthetics.

Dr. Damiano Barone, co-lead of the research, explains, “The signals in the nervous system are still there, even if the physical limb is gone. The challenge is transmitting this information to restore function.”

What Is The New Biohybrid Device?

The biohybrid device will address past issues by integrating muscle cells reprogrammed from stem cells. In them sandwiching these cells between the electrode and the living tissue, the device prevents scar tissue from forming around the implant.

“These cells give us an enormous degree of control,” explains Barone. The device was successfully tested on rats and demonstrated its ability to pick up movement signals from the brain.

What Are Other Innovations Happening In Brain Implant Tech?

MintNeuro, a spinout from Imperial College London, is developing a new generation of ultra-low power implants that are about the size of a peppercorn. Unlike conventional devices, these implants communicate wirelessly and are designed to remain in the brain for decades.

“Implantable device technology hasn’t fundamentally changed in decades,” says Professor Tim Constandinou, MintNeuro’s Chief Technology Officer. MintNeuro is focusing on epilepsy patients with drug-resistant seizures, aiming to improve current brain monitoring methods.

How Does This Technology Want To Change Lives?

The new biohybrid device, along with MintNeuro’s implants differ how neural interfaces are developed and deployed. These advances could let people with paralysis or limb loss to regain substantial motor function and offer new ways to monitor and treat neurological conditions.

Dr. Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte, a co-leader of the Cambridge research, notes, “This technology represents an exciting new approach to neural implants, which we hope will unlock new treatments for patients in need.”

MintNeuro’s miniature implants aim to reduce invasiveness and enhance the adoption of neural implants, while Blackrock’s technology is already seeing real-world application. The field’s growing interest and investment point towards a future where brain implant technology could redefine rehabilitation and treatment for millions around the world.