China just approved its first brain implant for commercial use, a world first

"In a world first, China has approved a brain implant for commercial use in people with spinal cord injuries. The device is a type of brain-computer interface (BCI), and is made by Shanghai-based Neuracle Medical Technology—a potential rival of Elon Musk's BCI startup Neuralink. Brain implants have been used as part of clinical trials for decades, but this is the first time such a device has been approved for broad use in patients."

"Invasive BCIs like Neuracle's are surgically implanted in the brain—usually in its outer layer, or cortex. There, they record electrical signals from neurons. Software then decodes these signals, which can then be used to control a computer cursor or a prosthetic limb, for example."

"Neuracle Technologies' BCI consists of a coin-sized wireless implant that sits on the brain's surface. It is specifically designed for people with spinal cord injuries, and BCIs in general are typically being developed for use by people with paralysis or other disabilities."

China has granted commercial approval for a brain-computer interface developed by Shanghai-based Neuracle Medical Technology, representing the first authorization of an invasive BCI for broad patient use. The device is a coin-sized wireless implant placed on the brain's surface that records electrical signals from neurons. Software decodes these signals to control computer cursors or prosthetic limbs, enabling people with spinal cord injuries to regain functional control. While brain implants have been used in clinical trials for decades, this approval marks a significant transition from experimental to commercial deployment. Neuracle competes with Elon Musk's Neuralink in the BCI market, though BCIs are currently being developed primarily for individuals with paralysis or disabilities rather than general population use.

Read at www.scientificamerican.com