July 3, 2023
Challenges and advances in brain-computer interfaces
In a significant step forward in neurotechnology, companies that make implantable brain-computer interfacing (BCI) devices, such as Neuralink, have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct human clinical studies.
BCIs have been around for a few decades; however, many companies and institutes have found navigating the stringent FDA approval process for a commercial medical BCI device challenging. These medical devices are typically surgically implanted deep within or onto the surface of the brain.
Penn Today met with Anna Wexler, an assistant professor in the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy in the Perelman School of Medicine, to discuss the promising possibilities and potential pitfalls of advancements in neurotechnology.