A vastly improved brain-computer interface allows paralyzed people to “talk” again

In the Netherlands, there are about 175 patients for whom this technology is interesting, says Ramsey in the podcast. knowledge and co, and in the whole western world their number is about a few thousand people. This immediately raises a problem: the target group is too small for companies to market to.

Universal transplant

Meanwhile, implants are also used for other conditions, such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. Wouldn’t it be possible to develop a universal implant that could be used for all those different situations? This may make development more affordable.

“I am convinced that this is the only way,” Ramzi said. “My idea is to replace part of the skull with a piece of plastic that contains electrodes. It may sound very dangerous, but it’s a very safe method of neurosurgery. Any company that specializes can then put their own chip in it.”

a race

It might be a nice idea, but it’s hard to achieve. “Companies are competing with each other. They are not willing to use the same standards. It is impossible to get everyone on the same page.”

Listen to the entire conversation with neuroscientist Nick Ramsey here: