A brain chip developed by researchers at Tsinghua University and Shanghai-based Neuracle Technology has been approved for commercial medical use in China. The chip, called NEO, is designed to help patients with paralysis control devices using their thoughts.

How it Works

NEO is a brain-computer interface that reads brain activity and translates it into commands for an external device. The implant uses sensors placed near the brain’s motor-control area, allowing patients to operate equipment such as a robotic glove or computer interface.

The chip’s design is less invasive than some competing implants, as it sits under the skull but rests on the brain’s protective outer layer rather than piercing deep into brain tissue. This could make it a more appealing option for patients who have lost movement due to spinal cord injuries.

Privacy Concerns

While the technology has the potential to be life-changing for patients with paralysis, it also raises concerns about data protection and privacy. As brain-computer interfaces become more advanced, they could potentially collect sensitive data about a person’s thoughts and intentions.

Questions about who owns this data, how it is protected, and whether it can be shared or used to train AI systems are still unanswered. Companies developing these devices must prioritize cybersecurity and ensure that patients’ data is secure.

The approval of NEO in China is a significant step forward for the development of brain-computer interfaces, but it also highlights the need for careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits of this technology.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.