Chinese scientists from Tsinghua University in Beijing announced a successful trial of the Neural Electronic Opportunity (NEO) neuroimplant, which partially restored mobility to a patient who was paralyzed 14 years ago. This was reported by newspaper South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Using a transmitter attached to his head, the man was able to control a prosthesis that was attached to his arm and carried out commands transmitted by the brain. For example, the subject was able to grab a bottle and drink some water from it.
According to the developers, NEO offers a minimally invasive setup as there is no need to insert the device into the nerve tissue of the brain. Instead, electrodes are placed in the epidural space between the brain and skull. This differs from a similar development in Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which involves inputting contacts directly into the brain.
The implant does not contain a battery because it is powered by a near-field wireless network connection via a high-frequency antenna.
Tsinghua University noted that the development of NEO took 10 years. Before testing on humans, clinical trials were conducted on pigs showing that the device did not damage cortical neurons. Memory, learning and other cognitive functions depend on these cells.
Formerly in the State Duma of the Russian Federation commented Elon Musk’s company Neuralink’s intention to implant brain chips into people.