There's Neuralink—and There's the Mind-Reading Company That Might Surpass It

Brain-Computer Interfaces Offer a Glimmer of Independence for ALS Patient, as Neuralink Pursues a More Ambitious Path

Pittsburgh, PA – As Neuralink continues to develop its highly publicized brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, a patient participating in early clinical trials with Synchron is gaining valuable insights into a radically different approach. Jackson, a patient utilizing Synchron’s Stentrode system, is leveraging a minimally invasive BCI to regain a degree of independence and explore new digital experiences, presenting a stark contrast to Neuralink’s more invasive strategy. Synchron’s Stentrode system, implanted into a major neck blood vessel, employs 16 electrodes to capture brain activity. This “stadium effect”—named for the way signals spread—captures a weaker signal than more invasive methods, representing a fundamental divergence from Neuralink’s design, which utilizes over 1,000 electrodes dispersed across 64 flexible threads. This distinction immediately highlights the varied approaches to BCI development and the inherent trade-offs between signal fidelity and surgical risk. Jackson’s journey began over two years ago, shortly after his ALS diagnosis. The Stentrode’s wireless design and minimally invasive nature represent a key advantage – reducing surgical complications and potentially enabling longer-term use. However, the system’s reliance on a weaker signal necessitates sophisticated algorithms and precise calibration to translate neural commands into actionable digital instructions. “The goal is to bypass the body’s damaged muscles and nerves to enable control of external devices,” explains Maria Nardozzi, Synchron’s field clinical engineer, who visits Jackson twice a week to oversee training sessions. “It’s a fundamentally different approach to treating ALS, focusing on restoring functionality rather than simply slowing disease progression.” Currently, Jackson utilizes the Stentrode to navigate and select options on an iPhone – a surprisingly complex task that underscores the significant technical challenges involved. While not a cure for ALS, the system provides a window into a future where individuals with severe motor impairments can interact with the digital world. Jackson utilizes the BCI to explore virtual art museums via apps, a passion he cultivated before his illness. He admits to frustration with the limitations – particularly the lack of fine motor control needed for activities like wood carving, a pastime he deeply enjoyed before his diagnosis. “If there could be a way for robotic arm devices or leg devices to be incorporated down the road,” Jackson states, “that would be freaking amazing.” The Synchron trial is meticulously collecting data, closely tracking the device’s performance and analyzing neural signals. The team’s efforts are focused on refining algorithms and improving the BCI’s sensitivity and accuracy. Beyond the immediate functionality, Jackson’s participation offers invaluable insights for researchers seeking to develop a more robust and intuitive BCI. Before his ALS diagnosis, Jackson had begun woodworking, wanting to learn how to carve birds. The project has become a poignant reminder of the activities he can no longer pursue. “I can’t travel anymore, but the headset can transport me to the Swiss Alps or a temperate rainforest in New Zealand,” he says. Compared to Synchron’s approach, Neuralink’s ambition is significantly greater. The company’s technology aims for more direct neural control, potentially allowing users to control prosthetic limbs, computers, and other devices with thought alone. However, the Neuralink system’s invasive design – requiring thousands of electrodes to be surgically implanted – also carries substantial risks. The Synchron trial, alongside other early BCI initiatives, is generating critical data that will undoubtedly shape the future of this field. While the current iteration of the Stentrode is limited, it represents a crucial step toward potentially restoring functionality for those living with ALS and other debilitating neurological conditions. Further advancements in materials science, signal processing, and machine learning will be critical to unlocking the full potential of BCIs and transforming the lives of patients with ALS and other debilitating neurological conditions. The case of Jackson and the Synchron Stentrode highlights the potential of innovation to reimagine the possibilities for individuals facing severe neurological impairment. ```