Elon Musk’s New Invention Could Help the Blind See Without Eyes — Scientists Are Stunned. ws

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Elon Musk's Neuralink is developing a brain-computer interface called "Blindsight" aimed at restoring vision to blind individuals. The device, a microelectrode array implanted in the visual cortex, aims to bypass the eyes and optic nerve to send visual information directly to the brain. The US FDA granted Blindsight Breakthrough Device Designation, potentially speeding up its development and approval. Neuralink is also seeking participants for its PRIME clinical trial for this device. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown: 

• What it does:

  Blindsight is designed to enable those with vision loss, even those who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve, to see, provided their visual cortex is intact. 
• How it works:

  The device involves implanting a microelectrode array into the visual cortex. This array stimulates neurons, allowing the brain to interpret visual information received from an external camera. 
• FDA Breakthrough Device Designation:

  The FDA's Breakthrough Device Designation is given to technologies that offer significant improvements in treating or diagnosing life-threatening conditions. This designation helps accelerate the development and review process for promising medical devices. 
• PRIME Study:

  Neuralink is currently recruiting participants for its PRIME study, a clinical trial for its brain-computer interface, which includes the Blindsight device. This trial aims to enable paralyzed individuals to control digital devices with their thoughts. 
• Potential Limitations:

  While Neuralink envisions Blindsight eventually offering superhuman vision, some researchers suggest that cortical implants like Blindsight may not exceed normal human vision. 
• Early Stage Technology:

  The initial visual output from Blindsight may be low resolution, similar to early video games, but future iterations may allow for the perception of infrared and other light spectrums, potentially surpassing natural human vision.