Weekly Signal: 40 | The First Signal of 2026

Table of Contents

• Weekly Signal

• Complete our community challenge

• Refer a Neurohacker

• Help us Improve

🧠 Weekly Signal

Neurotechnology News | Jan 3–Jan 9, 2026

Let's cut through the noise this week!

This week, we saw peer-reviewed progress in neural interface hardware and the release of a new open dataset for noninvasive brain–computer interface research. Industry momentum showed up in neuromodulation funding and a consumer electroencephalography push at CES. Meanwhile, U.S. regulators clarified how low-risk software and wearables will be treated. Bottom line: stronger foundations, faster translation, clearer rules.

🧠 SCIENCE & CLINICAL TRIALS

🟢 Open EEG dataset targets visual imagery BCI decoding

Published: January 3, 2026
Read more ➡️ Nature

Researchers released an open electroencephalography dataset designed for visual imagery–based brain–computer interface experiments, with standardized recordings across multiple sessions and subjects. The dataset enables reproducible benchmarking of algorithms that decode internally generated images rather than motor intent.

💡 Big Picture: Shared datasets are essential for moving noninvasive BCI research from proof-of-concept toward reliable, comparable performance.

🟢 Stainless-steel “steeltrodes” enable deep primate recordings

Published: January 9, 2026
Read more ➡️ Carnegie Mellon University

Researchers reported microfabricated stainless-steel neural probes tested in macaques, including ~8 cm-long shanks and ~300 µm widths for laminar recordings. The work targets a practical bottleneck: deep-brain access with lower breakage risk than brittle silicon probes.

💡 Big Picture: More durable probes can improve chronic recording reliability and expand viable implant designs for large brains.

🟢 Ultrasound-transparent neural interfaces support multimodal brain interaction

Published: January 8, 2026
Read more ➡️

A peer-reviewed study presented neural interface materials designed to transmit ultrasound, enabling setups that combine electrical interfacing with ultrasound-based approaches. The focus is on reducing material-level interference that can limit multimodal experiments and device concepts.

💡 Big Picture: Hardware that “plays nicely” with ultrasound could widen options for combined sensing, imaging, and stimulation workflows.

💼 INDUSTRY & STARTUPS

🟢 Spiro Medical raises $67M to develop asthma neuromodulation

Published: January 7, 2026
Read more ➡️ Fierce Biotech / PR Newswire 

Spiro Medical announced a $67M Series A to advance a neuromodulation system for asthma, with investors named and proceeds tied to development milestones. It’s a clear capital signal for “electroceuticals” beyond classic neurological indications.

💡 Big Picture: Neuromodulation continues expanding into large chronic-disease markets—expect more competition on endpoints, devices, and reimbursement.

🟢 Neurable + HyperX show EEG gaming headset prototype at CES 2026

Published: January 7, 2026
Read more ➡️ PCGamer / Neurable

At CES, Neurable and HyperX presented a prototype headset with earcup EEG sensors and software positioning around focus and cognitive-state feedback. Reporting noted the device remains a prototype with an uncertain release timeline, highlighting the gap between demos and validated consumer neurotech.

💡 Big Picture: If EEG wearables move beyond novelty, they’ll need transparent validation, clear user value, and careful claims discipline.

🟢 Saluda Medical earns European CE certification for EVA Sensing Technology

Published: January 8, 2026
Read more ➡️ PharmaShots / Saluda Medica

Saluda reported CE certification for its next-generation EVA sensing platform for closed-loop neuromodulation, with recognition in Australia. The update expands where the company can commercialize sensing-enabled spinal cord stimulation systems and scale post-approval execution.

💡 Big Picture: Closed-loop neuromodulation is shifting from “feature” to competitive baseline in some markets—watch outcomes data and rollout pace.

🏛️ POLICY & ETHICS

🟢 FDA clarifies oversight limits for wellness wearables and decision-support software

Published: January 7, 2026
Read more ➡️ Reuters / FDA

Reuters reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will ease oversight for low-risk wellness wearables and software that avoid diagnosis or treatment claims. A revised Clinical Decision Support Software guidance document (issued January 6, 2026) clarifies which functions may be excluded from “device” regulation under specific criteria.

💡 Big Picture: Neurotech teams must align product claims with regulatory categories—small wording choices can change evidence requirements and time-to-market.

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