A new study has revealed that high-bandwidth brain–computer interface (BCI) technology can be achieved without invasive brain surgery, potentially opening the door to wider clinical use in paralysis and neurodegenerative disease.
The work, led by US-based Precision Neuroscience, tested an ultra-thin electrode array that sits on the brain’s surface rather than penetrating brain tissue. Traditionally, the best BCIs have relied on needle-like electrodes inserted deep into the cortex, offering rich neural data but carrying significant surgical risk.
From lab to clinic
Precision’s “surface-based” system recorded and stimulated brain activity with unprecedented resolution across more than 4,000 electrodes, covering an area of 8 cm². The device was first validated in animals and then trialled in five human patients during standard neurosurgical procedures.
“People are told that they have to choose between brain safety and performance,” said Dr Benjamin Rapoport, Co-founder and Chief Science Officer, Precision Neuroscience. “Our goal was to prove that you can have both.”
The company has since implanted the device in over 50 patients, with FDA clearance for up to 30-day use. Early studies show participants can type, play games, or control robotic devices purely with thought, raising hopes for patients with ALS, stroke or spinal cord injuries.
Craig Mermel, President, Precision Neuroscience, said: “The more detail you can capture, the better you can translate thoughts into actions. This paper shows that it’s possible to collect high-resolution data safely and at scale.”
A crowded field
The research is one of many recent advances in brain–computer interface technology. Elon Musk’s Neuralink gained FDA approval in 2023 and has since implanted its device in human volunteers, though questions remain over long-term safety. Meanwhile, Synchron is trialling a stent-like BCI delivered via blood vessels, avoiding open-skull surgery altogether. Precision’s approach now joins this wave, offering a balance between minimally invasive access and high-bandwidth data capture.
