The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy propose a specialized research agency to investigate disruptive health technology. The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is requesting 6.5 billion USD and would focus on revolutionizing healthcare and medicine. Listening sessions to gather input from the public, advocacy groups, experts, and industry are scheduled through the NIH. Learn more about the listening sessions here.
Proposed Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
August 5, 2021
International Neuroethics Society Community Survey
August 1, 2021
The International Neuroethics Society Community Survey aims to collect stakeholder perspectives in neuroethics and neuroscience. The Society seeks input on social, legal, ethical, and policy implications from the neuroscience community around the world, particularly those traditionally underrepresented in the field. Read more about the survey and access the link from the International Neuroethics Society here.
Open-Source Code for Development of BCI-enabled Solutions for Persons with Disabilities
July 28, 2021
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco open sourced code from its recent brain-computer interface (BCI) breakthrough, called Project Steno, in collaboration with Facebook Reality Labs. Emily Mugler, a NeuroAbilities Advisory Council Member and Neural Engineering Manager at Facebook, advised the research team as they developed a special framework, called LabGraph, for real-time analysis and feedback of high data streams that enabled Bravo-1 to communicate clearly in full sentences. Bravo-1 experiences paralysis and is unable to speak. Read more from Facebook Reality Labs.
New Brain Implant Transmits Full Sentences from Neural Signals Indicating Intended Speech
July 19, 2021
Researchers successfully translated intended speech into sentences on a computer screen from the brain signals of a man who is paralyzed and is unable to speak. Dr. Edward Chang, a neurosurgeon at the University of California, San Francisco, led the team that developed the breakthrough in the latest of over a decade of work to help those with paralysis communicate even if they are unable to speak. Read more via Scientific American.
New Neural Brain Implant Developed by Russian Specialists to Bypass the Eye in Communication with the Brain
July 7, 2021
Russian specialists at the ‘Sensor-Tekh’ laboratory and the Foundation For the Support of the Deaf and Blind have developed the first Russian neural brain implant that will bypass the user's eye in direct communication with the brain for transmission of objects in 3D space. Read more via Russia Beyond.
BCI Enables Johns Hopkins Study Participant to Touch and Feel Holographic Objects
July 2, 2021
As part of a larger study, Johns Hopkins researchers have demonstrated the ability to “feel” virtual objects by integrating neural stimulation in a mixed-reality environment. Read more via Newswise.
Brain-Computer Interface Recreates Bird Song from Brainwave
July 1, 2021
Neuroscientists have demonstrated a BCI for complex communication signals in birds, accelerating AI-enabled vocal prosthesis for humans. Read more via Psychology Today.
Neurotechnology Company Kernel to Send Smart Helmets to Research Institutions
June 21, 2021
A neurotechnology company called Kernel is about to begin sending $50,000 smart helmets to research institutions in the United States to study brain activity in relation to aging, Alzheimer's, concussions and strokes. Read more via The Hill.
Brain-Computer Interface to Enable ALS Persons to Communicate Earns European Approval
June 9, 2021
The Wyss Center in Switzerland that has developed the NeuroKey platform to convert nonverbal Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients’ brainwaves into speech has received regulatory clearance in Europe. Read more via Fierce Biotech.
Implanted Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Devices - Non-clinical Testing and Clinical Considerations
June 4, 2021
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued its final guidance document for industry and FDA staff concerning recommendations for nonclinical testing and study design considerations for Investigational Device Exemptions (IDEs) feasibility and pivotal clinical studies for implanted Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) devices for patients with paralysis or amputation. Read the FDA's full announcement.