By Isabelle Wilson-
Blackrock Neurotech, a US-based company, is at the forefront of developing neural implants that have the potential to cure blindness and deafness. The company has developed a range of cutting-edge implantable devices that work by directly stimulating the brain, bypassing the damaged or non-functioning sensory organs.
Blackrock Neurotech is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The eventual aim of the device is for those implanted with the chip to be able to control robotic arms and electric wheelchairs with their mind, amongst other things.
Nathan Copeland (left) has had a BCI is said to be the mastermind behind the device .
Neural implants represent a revolutionary new treatment option that could help them regain their senses. Unlike traditional hearing aids or visual aids, which amplify or enhance the signals from the damaged sensory organs, neural implants bypass the organs entirely and stimulate the brain directly.
The implants are made up of tiny electrodes that are capable of delivering precise electrical signals to the neurons in the brain, which can be used to create the perception of sound or light.
It works by using nearly 100 microneedles that attach to the brain and read electrical signals produced by someone’s thoughts. More than three dozen people have so far received it.
The device is designed to be implanted directly into the auditory cortex of the brain, where it can deliver precise electrical signals to stimulate the neurons responsible for processing sound.
Marcus Gerhardt, co-founder of the Salt Lake City, Utah-based company in the US, told DailyMail Online : “We are the only company with direct-brain BCI implants in humans.
The potential impact of Blackrock’s neural implants on the lives of people living with blindness or deafness cannot be overstated.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 253 million people worldwide suffer from vision impairment, with 36 million of these cases being blind. Similarly, an estimated 466 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss, with many experiencing profound deafness.
The development of neural implants has the potential to revolutionize the way blindness and deafness are treated, offering new hope to millions of people around the world. While the technology is still in its early stages and will require further testing and refinement, it represents an exciting new frontier in medical research and development, and has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people.
As the technology continues to evolve and improve, it is believed to have the potential to transform the lives of millions of people around the world, and to open up new opportunities for medical research and development in this important field.