The human cerebral cortex consists of six -cell layers, but in Precision Neuroscience a group of scientists and engineers is working on creating a device resembling the seventh.
The Layer 7 Cortical Interface device looks like a piece of adhesive tape, but in fact it is an array of electrodes, which is thinner than the human hair and can be installed on the surface of the brain without harming tissues. The Precision Neuroscience company, founded in 2021, was created by co -founders Michael Mager and Benjamin Rapoport, which is also part of the co -founders of Neuralink Ilon Musk).
The purpose of the Layer 7 device is to help patients with paralysis in the use of digital devices using neural signals. This means that people with severe degenerative diseases, such as lateral amyotrophic sclerosis, will be able to restore their ability to communicate with loved ones, moving cursors, printing and even gaining access to social with their minds. Precision is one of the many companies that operate in the interface of the brain-computer, and differs from others with its less traumatic method of installing the device.
For introducing a cortical interface into the brain, a very thin section in the skull is made, which resembles a gap in a mailbox. Precision Director General, Michael Mager states that the incision has a thickness of less than a millimeter and does not require shaving hair to perform an operation.
MAGERA claims that the number of electrodes in the array can be increased, which will ultimately allow the use of the device for neurological diseases. The implant can be deleted if the patient decides that he no longer needs him or will need a replacement for a newer version in the future.
Associate Professor of the University of Rice and founder of Motif Neurotech, Jacob Robinson, notes that Precision technology carries less risks for the patient, but also the strength of the transmitted brain signals will be less than other implants, since the device is not introduced directly into the brain tissue.
PRECISION successfully tested its device for decoding neural signals in animals, and the company hopes to get the approval of FDA for testing technology in public in the coming months.
On Wednesday, the company announced the financing of the series B in the amount of $ 41 million, as a result of which the total investment amounted to $ 53 million in less than two years. Financing will allow Precision to improve its product, hire more employees and speed up the FDA check procedure. Mager said that, in his opinion, this year will be a “turning point” in the field of neurotechnologies.
“I think that in many respects the brain is the next line of modern medicine. Technology will change many people with neurological disorders,” he said.