China approves brain chip to overcome paralysis

China has just made history in the field of medical technology by granting the first commercial approval for an implanted brain-computer interface. Developed by a company called Neuracle, the coin-sized device is known as NEO. Its primary goal is to help individuals living with paralysis regain the ability to move their hands.

Here is how the technology actually works. Surgeons place the NEO implant, which contains eight tiny electrodes, just outside the brain. It sits directly on the dura mater, a tough protective membrane covering the brain, right above the specific region responsible for controlling movement and processing physical sensations. When a paralyzed person simply imagines moving their hand, the electrodes capture the natural electrical signals generated by their active brain cells.

A computer then steps in to decode these mental signals. Once the system understands the patient's intent, it translates those thoughts into digital commands. These commands are instantly sent to a robotic glove worn by the patient, which physically moves their hand to perform the intended action.