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Weekly Signal 01
Curated breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces, neural restoration, and cognitive innovation—stay plugged into the pulse of neuroscience.
Ricardo Albornoz
April 04, 2025
🧠 Weekly Signal
neurotechnology. Every week, we handpick the most impactful stories shaping the future of brain science, neuroengineering, and cognitive technology. Whether you're a researcher, enthusiast, or industry professional, Weekly Signal keeps you connected to the pulse of the neurotech world.
Let's cut through the noise this week!
In a groundbreaking clinical trial led by Shanghai’s Fudan University, four patients with spinal cord injuries experienced a rapid return of motor control. Within 24 hours of a minimally invasive surgery, patients began regaining movement in limbs once deemed permanently paralyzed. This innovative approach involves implanting electrode chips in both the brain and spinal cord, creating a “neural bypass” that reactivates dormant nerve pathways through a process known as neural remodeling. Unlike Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which connects paralyzed limbs to external devices via brain-computer interfaces, this technique revitalizes the body's inherent wiring, suggesting a future where paralysis may no longer be irreversible.
Neurotech Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval for its encapsulated cell therapy implant, Encelto, aimed at treating macular telangiectasia type 2—a rare, vision-robbing disease. The innovative therapy continuously delivers ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) to the retina, significantly slowing the loss of macular photoreceptors and offering hope for patients facing progressive vision loss.
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with teams from Tsinghua and Tianjin Universities, have developed a memristor-based brain-computer interface (BCI) decoding system. The system utilizes a 128K-cell memristor chip with an adaptive neuromorphic decoder that co-evolves with brain signals. Demonstrated through a drone flight control task, the technology achieves high decoding accuracy with dramatically reduced energy consumption and processing delays.
A meta-analysis from the American Academy of Neurology reveals an association between early signs of heart dysfunction—specifically systolic and diastolic impairments—and reduced brain volumes. These findings suggest that even mild heart problems could be linked to cognitive decline, underscoring the potential benefits of early cardiac evaluations to maintain brain health and mitigate dementia risks.
Using PET imaging, scientists have provided direct evidence that dopamine release in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex is linked to enhanced cognitive flexibility. The study shows that greater dopamine release improves task-switching efficiency, highlighting dopamine’s critical role in adaptive thinking and offering new avenues for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders marked by cognitive inflexibility.
Neurotech International Ltd. has entered into a partnership with RH Farma to develop a pharmaceutical-grade, broad-spectrum cannabinoid drug targeting pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders. This collaboration aims to enhance product quality and expand market reach, aligning with Neurotech’s commitment to innovative treatments for conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and other pediatric neuropsychiatric challenges.
A strategic merger between SportGait and Heads Together Health has led to the creation of NeuroTech Insights—a comprehensive, AI-driven platform designed to transform neurofunctional prehabilitation, performance, and recovery. The integrated system combines advanced gait and cognitive assessments, remote patient monitoring, and personalized treatment recommendations to elevate neurological care in clinical settings.
Motif Neurotech has secured a grant from the UK government’s ARIA to further develop its therapeutic brain-computer interface technology aimed at treating cognitive and psychiatric conditions. The company’s innovative approach features a network of wireless, millimetre-sized implants that deliver cell-specific stimulation, promising a safer and more efficient pathway to regulating brain circuits and improving patient outcomes.
A TED Talk episode titled "Your brain is the next tech frontier" explores the evolving landscape of brain monitoring and enhancement. Featuring experts in law, ethics, neuroscience, and technology, the discussion delves into the potential benefits and ethical dilemmas of merging human minds with machines—setting the stage for a future where cognitive enhancement and brain-machine interfaces could redefine human capability.
⚡ Innovator Spotlight
In our Innovator Spotlight, we celebrate members of The NeuroCircuit community who are pushing the boundaries of neurotechnology. Each week, we feature a subscriber who has successfully completed our latest Community Challenge. Their innovative approach and dedication exemplify the spirit of collaboration and discovery that drives our community forward.
🛠️ Neurohack of the Week
This week's neurohack empowers you to create a simple interface that translates muscle activity into control signals for various devices. By utilizing electromyography (EMG) sensors, you can capture electrical signals from your muscles and use them to interact with computers, robots, or other electronic systems.
Project Overview:
🎯 Objective: Develop a system that detects muscle activity and uses it to control an external device, such as moving a robotic arm or navigating a computer interface.
🧰 Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. Basic knowledge of electronics and programming is helpful but not required.
Components Needed:
🔌 Microcontroller: An Arduino board (e.g., Arduino Uno) or a Raspberry Pi.
🦾 EMG Sensor: Devices like the BioAmp EXG Pill or Muscle BioAmp Shield are designed for capturing biopotential signals. These sensors are included in kits such as the DIY Neuroscience Kit - Pro.
⚡ Electrodes: Reusable gel electrodes to attach to the skin and detect muscle activity.
🛠️ Cables and Connectors: Wires to connect the EMG sensor to the microcontroller.
🔋 Power Source: Batteries or USB power supply for your microcontroller.
Basic Steps:
Assemble the Hardware:
Attach the EMG sensor to the microcontroller according to the sensor's documentation.
Place the electrodes on the target muscle group (e.g., forearm) following proper guidelines to ensure accurate signal detection.
Program the Microcontroller:
Write or upload code to the microcontroller that reads the EMG signals from the sensor.
Implement a threshold to detect significant muscle activity.
Define the output actions based on the detected muscle activity, such as moving a servo motor or sending a keystroke to a computer.
Test and Calibrate:
Power the system and observe the sensor readings.
Adjust the threshold and sensitivity to accurately detect muscle contractions without false positives.
Integrate with External Devices:
Connect the microcontroller's output to the device you wish to control.
Ensure that the device responds appropriately to the muscle activity detected by your system.
📖 Learning Resources:
DIY Neuroscience Kit - Pro: This kit includes the necessary components and guides to help you get started with EMG-based projects.
EMG with Arduino Tutorial: A step-by-step guide on using the Arduino UNO with the DIY Neuroscience Kit to capture and utilize EMG signals.
DIY Neuroscience Projects: Explore various projects and applications using muscle signals (EMG) to inspire your own creations.
Safety Considerations:
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for all components.
Ensure that the electrodes are properly placed and do not cause discomfort.
Use appropriate insulation and handling to prevent short circuits or electrical hazards.
📅 Upcoming Events (2025)
Stay informed about upcoming neurotech conferences and networking opportunities around the world:
Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS) 2025 Annual Meeting
📍 Boston, Massachusetts, USA | March 29–April 1, 2025
NeurotechEU Symposium 2025
📍 Bonn, Germany | May 13, 2025
Neural Interfaces 2025
📍 Arlington, Virginia, USA | June 12–14, 2025
2025 Neurotech Leaders Forum
📍 Location TBA | November 5–6, 2025
Society for Neuroscience 2025 Annual Meeting
📍 San Diego, California, USA | November 15–19, 2025
Maudsley Neurotechnology Conference 2025
📍 King's College London, UK | Dates TBA
Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS) 2025
📍 San Diego, California, USA | December 2025
🎯 Community Challenge
Ready to take neurotech to the next level? Share your insights, projects, ideas, our NeuroHack of the Week, or your own groundbreaking work—and watch the inspiration ripple across the community!
How to Participate
Create a Post
Show us what you’re working on—DIY projects, research breakthroughs, or even your latest neurotech musings.Use #NeuroCircuitChallenge
This helps your ideas reach fellow enthusiasts and potential collaborators.Tag The NeuroCircuit
We’ll be on the lookout for standout contributions to feature in our upcoming Innovator Spotlight!
Why Join?
Boost Your Reach: Tap into a niche but fast-growing community for extra visibility.
Build Your Network: Connect with researchers, developers, and curious tinkerers who share your passion.
Shape Neurotech’s Future: Your project or insight could spark the next big breakthrough—or inspire someone else’s.
We can’t wait to see your creativity in action! Fire up X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and spread the word. Let’s spark innovation together!
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