Brain-computer interfaces and the future of neural engineering with Dr. Benjamin Rapoport | E1682 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Precision Neuroscience is developing non-invasive brain computer interfaces that enable direct communication between the brain and computers, offering potential treatments for neurologic disorders.

Key Insights

• 🧠 Precision Neuroscience's brain computer interfaces are designed to connect the brain directly to computers, allowing for potential treatments of neurologic disorders that are currently untreatable.
• 🧠 The company utilizes surface microelectrodes that do not penetrate the brain, ensuring safety and scalability.
• 😯 The interfaces have the potential to restore function in paralyzed patients and aid in the treatment of speech disorders by connecting the brain to the digital world.
• 🔬 Precision Neuroscience is striving to transition academic science into clinical reality through commercial and industrial settings.
• ✋ Advances in microfabrication and computational power have enabled the development of high-resolution neural interfaces.
• 🛄 The company is preparing for FDA submission and aims to bring its devices to market in the next 12 to 18 months.
• 🧠 Precision Neuroscience's first-generation device will serve as a temporary interface for diagnostic purposes, enabling real-time monitoring of brain activity.
• 😷 The cost of manufacturing the devices may be higher than current implantable medical technology but is justifiable considering the potential long-term benefits and economic impact.
• 👻 The company envisions a future where software upgrades and enhancements can be pushed to the devices, allowing for continued improvement and personalized functionality.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is Precision Neuroscience working on?

Precision Neuroscience is developing non-invasive brain computer interfaces to connect the brain directly to computers and potentially treat neurologic disorders that are currently untreatable.

Q: How do these brain computer interfaces work?

The interfaces involve using surface microelectrodes that coat the brain, allowing for high-resolution recording and stimulation of neurons without damaging the brain.

Q: What is the potential impact of these brain interfaces?

The interfaces can potentially restore function in paralyzed patients and aid in the treatment of speech disorders by connecting the brain directly to the digital world.

Q: How does Precision Neuroscience differentiate itself from other companies in the field?

Precision Neuroscience's approach focuses on safety, minimal invasiveness, and scalability, creating a platform that can be deployed without complex open brain surgery and offers the potential for temporary diagnostic use.

Summary

In this interview, Dr. Benjamin Rappaport, co-founder and chief science officer of Precision Neuroscience, discusses their work on brain computer interfaces. He explains how these interfaces are designed to connect the brain directly to computer systems, helping to treat neurologic disorders that are currently untreatable. Dr. Rappaport also talks about the history and breakthroughs in the field of neural interfaces, including the transition from academic research to commercialization. He describes Precision Neuroscience's approach of using a non-invasive, surface electrode array that coats the surface of the brain, allowing for high-resolution listening and speaking to the brain without damaging it. The first generation device they are developing will be removable and used for diagnostic purposes in conditions like epilepsy, with the aim of eventually developing permanent implants.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Precision Neuroscience working on with brain implants?

Precision Neuroscience is working on brain computer interfaces, which are designed to connect the brain directly to computer systems. Their goal is to treat neurologic disorders that are currently untreatable by enabling direct communication between the brain and digital world.

Q: How common are the disorders that Precision Neuroscience aims to treat?

There are millions of people in the United States alone living with paralysis from spinal cord injury or other disorders. These disorders affect people's ability to move or act even though their brain can still think. Precision Neuroscience's brain computer interfaces aim to restore function to these patients.

Q: What led Dr. Rappaport to be interested in brain interfaces?

Dr. Rappaport comes from a family of doctors and engineers, and his exposure to electrophysiology and clinical neuroscience from a young age sparked his interest in the field. He saw the potential in interfacing with the brain and nervous system and was drawn to the technological advancements that made high-bandwidth interfaces possible.

Q: What were the breakthroughs in the field that enabled the development of brain computer interfaces?

Historically, research in neuroscience and clinical practice used electrodes to interface with the nervous system, but the scale and bandwidth of these interfaces were limited. However, in the late 20th century, the development of microfabricated electrode arrays allowed for high-resolution recording from multiple neurons at once. This coincided with advances in computational power and decoding algorithms, enabling the translation of electrical signals from the brain into meaningful information.

Q: What is the significance of Precision Neuroscience's non-invasive surface electrode array?

Precision Neuroscience's surface electrode array is a new paradigm compared to traditional penetrating electrodes. It consists of tiny electrodes that coat the surface of the brain without penetrating it. This allows for high-resolution listening and speaking to the brain, while also being removable without causing damage. The non-invasive nature of the interface enhances safety and scalability.

Q: How safe is Precision Neuroscience's brain interface technology?

Precision Neuroscience has focused on developing a system that minimizes the risk of damage to the brain. Their surface electrode array is designed to be non-invasive and removable without causing harm. They have undergone extensive safety testing in large animals, and their goal is to reach FDA submission this year. The early results suggest an excellent safety profile.

Q: How close is Precision Neuroscience to commercialization and widespread adoption?

Precision Neuroscience is preparing for FDA submission this year, and they have developed a temporary system that will be usable for diagnostic purposes, particularly in epilepsy. This first-generation device will deliver high-resolution brain activity information and provide clinical benefits to patients. Their focus on safety and ability to remove the device aligns with the FDA's 510k pathway, expediting the regulatory process. This positions them well for subsequent generations of permanent implants.

Q: How does Precision Neuroscience tackle the tension between private companies and academic research?

Precision Neuroscience recognizes the importance of both the private industry and academic research in the development of neural interfaces. The private industry provides the engineering expertise and resources necessary to transition academic science into clinical reality. They aim to work within the ecosystem of stakeholders, including government agencies, regulators, healthcare systems, neurologists, and patients, to ensure a successful transition and benefit to patients.

Q: Are there any potential competitors to Precision Neuroscience in the field of neural interfaces?

While there are other companies working on neural interfaces, Precision Neuroscience's approach and principles are unique. They focus on safety, minimal invasiveness, and scalability to reach many patients. They believe in the diversity of neural interface solutions and the collective impact of multiple companies tackling different aspects of the technology. The goal is to provide high-bandwidth neural interfaces that will benefit patients and bring about a major clinical impact.

Q: What makes Precision Neuroscience's breakthrough significant?

Precision Neuroscience's non-invasive surface electrode array represents a major breakthrough in neural interfaces. It allows for high-resolution listening and speaking to the brain without the need for invasive brain surgery. The ability to remove and upgrade the device, along with its scalability, sets it apart from previous solutions. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for understanding brain activity and developing effective treatments for neurologic disorders.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Precision Neuroscience is working on developing brain computer interfaces (BCIs) as a form of non-invasive brain implant to treat untreatable neurologic disorders.

• The BCIs are designed to connect the brain directly to computer systems, allowing for direct communication and treatment of conditions such as paralysis and speech disorders.

• Precision Neuroscience's approach involves using surface microelectrodes that do not penetrate the brain, ensuring safety and scalability.