Uncanny Valley | WIRED The Very Real Case for Brain-Computer Implants
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Jul 24, 2025 Emily Mullin, a Wired reporter specializing in brain-computer interfaces, dives into the revolutionary technology behind BCIs. She explains how companies like Synchron and Neuralink are advancing their models, with Synchron’s less invasive approach offering significant promise for aiding individuals with disabilities. The conversation navigates the ethical implications of these technologies and humorously contrasts them with science fiction themes. Mullin sheds light on the funding dynamics and potential future of communication through these groundbreaking devices.
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How BCIs Decode Brain Signals
- Brain-computer interfaces decode brain signals related to specific intended movements, not random thoughts.
- AI helps translate these signals into commands, enabling communication or control for users with disabilities.
Synchron's Unique BCI Approach
- Synchron uses a less invasive approach by implanting a device through a blood vessel to the brain's motor cortex.
- This avoids brain surgery and communicates signals wirelessly via a device in the chest.
ALS Patient Using BCI Tech
- Mark Jackson, living with ALS, uses Synchron's implant to interact with devices like Amazon Alexa and Apple Vision Pro.
- He can play games, write emails, and maintain digital communication despite paralysis.