Brain implant

2025

In Russia, they began to chip the brain to cows to increase fishing habits

Russian startup Neiry has begun developing and testing invasive neuroimplants to stimulate the brains of dairy cows in order to increase milk yield. The first tests of the technology are already taking place on farms in the Sverdlovsk region. This became known in April 2025 from the message of the general director of the company Alexander Panov. Read more here

Alcoholics began to implant a chip in the brain so that they would stop drinking. Technology Brings Results

In China, the first operation was carried out to implant a special "sobriety chip" for the treatment of alcohol dependence. The innovative procedure was performed in April 2025 at the Third People's Hospital of Fuyang City, Anhui Province, for a patient who has suffered from alcoholism for more than 20 years. Read more here.

Scientists recapture ability to speak to a dumb woman

Scientists at the University of California were able to regain the ability to speak to a woman who remained mute for 18 years after suffering a stroke. Thanks to a device implanted in the brain and a neural network that converts brain signals into synthesized speech, the patient was able to mentally formulate sentences that were then reproduced by the system. This study was reported in late March 2025.

According to Nature Neuroscience, the experiment was conducted by the team of neurosurgeon Edward Chang. Experts have developed a "voice prosthetics" system using artificial intelligence that decodes electrical signals from the brain and converts them into speech. To teach the neural network, the patient mentally pronounced phrases composed of more than a thousand words.

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Фото: Freepik

The technology has shown significant progress in reducing the delay between the brain pulse and the spoken word - to one second, which approaches the normal range of 100-200 milliseconds. The decoding speed was almost 48 words per minute, which is about three times lower than the pace of ordinary human speech.

Precision Neuroscience is also actively working in this direction. Its leader, Michael Mager, said that the sensors developed by the company are capable of reading brain signals with higher detail thanks to the dense arrangement of electrodes. These devices have already been tested on 31 volunteers.

Permission for temporary implantation of up to a month allows the collection of a unique array of neural data. According to Mager, the next stage in the development of the technology will be the miniaturization of components and their complete adaptation to the conditions of the human body, which will make it possible to constantly implant devices.

Despite the advances made, the technology has yet to reach the level of natural speech. Although recognition accuracy has already grown to 98%, synthesized speech cannot yet fully convey emotional shades and intonation.^[1]

2024: Global Brain Implant Market Size Grows to $2.12 Billion in a Year

At the end of 2024, costs in the global brain implant market reached $2.12 billion. Geographically, the North American region dominates, which accounted for almost half of this amount. Industry metrics are reported in the Fortune Business Insights survey published in late March 2025.

By brain implants, the authors of the study mean special devices that are surgically implanted into the brain to provide therapeutic functions. Through electrical stimulation, they act on certain areas of the brain in order to reduce the symptoms of various disorders.

One of the main drivers of the analytics market is the growing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and all kinds of movement disorders. The situation worsens against the background of an aging population: with an increase in the number of elderly people, the number of cases of such ailments increases. Brain implants block unwanted brain activity, due to which they are able to fight Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc. Such devices are also contemplated as a promising method of treating Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. According to an article published by the Alzheimer's Association in March 2023, in the United States alone, approximately 6.7 million people over the age of 65 live with the named ailment. According to forecasts, by 2060 this number will grow to 13.8 million. At the same time, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), schizophrenia affects about 24 million people worldwide.

Technological advances, including the introduction of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, have a significant impact on the market. Large companies and organizations invest heavily in research and development to create advanced brain implants. Among the deterrents, the study authors cite high costs as well as limited awareness of neurological disorders in developing countries. In addition, there are certain concerns about the safety of such therapies.

By type of technology applied, the market is segmented into deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, and closed-loop neurostimulation. The largest revenue in 2024 was provided by the first of the listed areas - 67.1% in the total volume of the industry: this method received regulatory approval for the treatment of a number of neurological diseases, including epilepsy, tremor and Parkinson's disease. At the same time, the vagus nerve stimulation segment shows significant growth rates. In terms of application, therapy for epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, etc. are distinguished. The highest costs are recorded in the field of epilepsy treatment. In regional terms, North America is leading with expenses of $0.96 billion at the end of 2024, which corresponds to 45% of global costs. Significant players in the global industry are named:

• Boston Scientific;
• Medtronic;
• Abbott;
• NeuroPace;
• NDI Medical;
• Aleva Neurotherapeutics;
• LivaNova.

In 2025, spending on brain implants worldwide is expected to rise to $2.36 billion. Fortune Business Insights analysts believe that in the future, the CAGR in the market under consideration will be 11.1%. As a result, by 2032, costs on a global scale could increase to $4.93 billion.^[2]

2023

A resident of Novosibirsk independently introduced a neurochip into his brain to manage dreams

A resident of Novosibirsk, Mikhail Raduga, independently introduced a neurochip into his brain to manage dreams. He wrote about this experiment on social networks. Read more here.

Created a brain implant that is thinner than a human hair

At the end of January 2023, Precision Neuroscience introduced the Layer 7 Cortical Interface brain implant, which is thinner than a human hair. The new technology helps patients with paralysis control digital devices using only neural signals. Read more here.

2022

For the first time, an implant was implanted into the human brain to treat overeating

In late August 2022, in a first-of-its-kind experimental study, scientists surgically implanted the device into the brains of two people suffering from obesity and binge eating disorder. The device was designed to detect and disrupt brain signals associated with eating cravings when overeating, and the promising results set the stage for a future in which implants can control different types of impulsive behaviors.

In late 2017, a study was published that showed that certain activity in an area of the brain called nucleus accumbens could be linked to harmful impulsive behaviors such as overeating. The study demonstrated in mice how a brain implant can detect activity associated with binge eating impulses in real time, supply pulses of electricity to block these signals, and subsequently stop animals from over-consuming food.

For the first time, an implant was implanted into the human brain to treat overeating

A new study offers the first evidence that this idea can work in humans. In the journal Nature Medicine, researchers describe the experiences of the first two patients using a similar device to stimulate the brain.

Two patients in the experimental study had a clinical diagnosis of binge eating disorder and severe obesity. After the surgery, which implanted a brain stimulation device with electrodes aimed at the nucleus of the accumense, these two patients were monitored for about six months.

During the first follow-up period, the researchers focused on recording each patient's brain activity in order to identify characteristic traits that could be associated specifically with binge eating behaviors. For this, patients were sometimes brought into laboratory conditions to conduct experiments, where they were offered large buffets with high-calorie food.

After this initial follow-up and recording period, the researchers included implants, each encoded with the patient's own neural overeating trigger. The device is a closed system, that is, it is designed to turn on and off electrical pulses independently of each other when it senses the brain's target activity.

Patients were monitored for another six months, and the researchers note that the devices work well and no side effects were found. Both patients reported a significant reduction in the frequency of binge eating episodes and decreased feelings of loss of control. On average, each patient also lost about 5 kg over the next six months, with no dietary intervention required.

{{quote 'This was an early feasibility study where we primarily assessed safety, but certainly the compelling clinical benefits that patients reported to us are really impressive and pleasing. Therefore, it is too early to say whether such a brain stimulation method really helps to control overeating, but these first data indicate the safety of the device, said senior study author Casey Halpern. }} Specifically, the researchers noted that there were difficulties in finding certain patterns of brain activity that could only be linked to loss of binge-eating control, rather than regular eating or craving. After several months of observations, certain signals were identified, but more work will be needed to optimize the specifics of brain signals about overeating in humans.

So while this study points to a future in which brain implants can regulate impulsive behaviors, such as excessive eating, we still have a lot of work to do before we figure out exactly how to do it. This particular study is ongoing, and it is planned to attract new subjects to further improve the technology.^[3]

Paralysed people are implanted with chips to control their computer with the power of thought

In July 2022, Synchron, a brain-computer interface start-up, implanted its first device into a patient in the US, outpacing the NeuralinkElon Musk project. Read more here.

Brain implant allowed completely paralysed patient to communicate with'power of thought' by forming words and phrases

At the end of March 2022, a group of German and Swiss scientists implanted two microchips with needle electrodes that detect nerve signals in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The brain implant allowed the patient to fully imagine how his body moves, and the implants themselves capture this brain activity and transmit it to the computer as a signal.

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as motor neuron degeneration progresses may lose all muscle modes of communication, and eventually patients may be left without any means of communication. The researchers implanted two 64 microelectrode arrays into the patient's complementary and core motor cortex. The patient modulated the frequency of neural radiation based on auditory feedback and used this strategy to select letters one at a time to form words and phrases to convey their needs. This example proves that strong-willed brain-based communication is possible even in a completely blocked state, a group of scientists notes.

Brain implant allowed completely paralysed patient to communicate with'power of thought' by forming words and phrases

To restore communication, intracortical microelectrode arrays were implanted into two motor zones of the cerebral cortex. Legally responsible family members gave informed written consent for the implantation in accordance with procedures established by regulatory authorities. A patient on home treatment used a neurofidback strategy based on audience feedback to modulate the frequency of neural excitation, this operation was necessary to select letters and form words and sentences using special software. Prior to implantation, the patient could not express his needs and desires through non-invasive methods, including eye tracking, visual categorization of eye movements, or other eye movement-based methods. The patient started using the intracortical system for voluntary verbal communication three months after implantation. As ALS disease progressed, the patient lost the ability to voluntarily open his eyes as well as visual acuity, but the patient still uses an audio feedback-based neurofidback strategy with his eyes closed to select letters and form words and sentences.

The researchers selected differential-modulated channels for the patient for high and low target tones, and also updated the technology parameters for subsequent sessions. Using this iterative procedure every day, the scientists performed multiple neurofidback blocks over a given day to remind the patient of the correct speed control strategy, each typically consisting of 10 high-frequency target tones and 10 low-frequency target tones presented in pseudo-random order, and to tune and validate the classifier. Typically, if a patient could match the frequency of feedback to the target in 80% of trials, the researchers continued to work with the system's software.

The technology used in this interface is quite costly, so there is no need to talk about its widespread implementation in March 2022. In addition, healthcare providers caring for a paralyzed person should be trained to set up the system and test the patient's responses so that the patient can communicate with doctors or relatives using a brain implant. According to scientists, this technology can decode speech directly from the brain, when the patient imagines what he is saying, and this, in turn, will help significantly simplify the dialogue with the patient.^[4]

A patient with a brain implant gave a speech

At the end of March 2022, German scientists from the University of Tübingen were able to use a neuroimplant to enable a completely paralyzed patient from Germany to communicate. The man was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, according to Nature Communications.

The study involved a 36-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The patient began collaborating with researchers in 2018, when he could still move his eyes. The man wanted an implant to keep in touch with his wife and young son. Scientists have implanted two arrays of electrodes in the brain region that control movements. The researchers hoped that the signals received when trying to move their hands, legs, head and eyes could be used for communication, but the first months the patient could not even respond with their help.

"I want a beer." Paralysed German with brain implant was able to speak for the first time

After updating the technique, the scientists tried neurofidback technology, a form of learning in which you can measure and establish the electrical activity of the brain, and then learn to control it by receiving information in real time. In the case of the patient, an audible signal was used, which became higher if the electrical activity near the implant increased, and lower if it weakened. On the very first day, the patient managed to control the signal height, and by day 12 he learned to bring the signal to the height that the researchers asked for.

{{quote 'I couldn't believe it was possible! At this stage, the technology is also too complex for patients and their families, but it is very important to make it more user-friendly and speed up communication. But while for the relatives of the patient and the available opportunities, already happiness, "said Ujwal Chadhary, biomedical engineer from the University of Tübingen. }} During the year, the patient, using a speech synthesizer, compiled dozens of sentences, some of the sentences contained instructions:

• Mom head massage
• Everyone should gel my eyes more often
• I'd love to listen to the Tool album loud
• Ghoulash soup and pea soup
• I love my cool son

and even asked for a cool beer. The speed of typing, however, is still low, about a symbol per minute.

Three years after implanting the electrodes, the patient's responses have become much slower and often impossible to understand, the scientists add. Most likely, this is due to technical problems, but replacing the electrodes is too dangerous, in the hospital the patient may face infections that may turn out to be fatal for the patient. For March 2022, the team is studying non-invasive methods that have previously performed well on volunteers without paralysis.^[5]

2021

Announcement of implant for continuous monitoring of brain function

At the end of May 2021, medical device manufacturer WISE Srl released a single-use WISE Cortical Strip (WCS) device designed for intraoperative monitoring of brain function. These WIN studies demonstrated the security, performance and usability of the WISE device, as well as its advantages over other traditional cortical electrodes. Read more here.

Scientists have found a way to reduce the cost of preclinical tests of bone implants

On April 7, 2021, it became known that scientists at NUST MISIS in tandem with biologists at the N.F. Gamaleya proposed an economical way to test the ingrowth strength of bone implants in case of critical skull defects. The method involves the use of a mouse model and allows evaluating the effectiveness of implant integration. The costs of using it are reduced by 50 times compared to experiments on large animals, allowing you to collect more extensive statistical material and accelerate the development of the clinical stage of research. The results of the work are published in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials.

Scientists have found a way to reduce the cost of preclinical tests of bone implants

As explained, the materials used in modern implantology should be similar in properties to bone tissue, and the implant integration zone should be sufficient to provide a strong connection and uniform distribution of load on the bone site to be restored. Bone fusion strength of the implant is an important parameter for understanding the applicability of the implant in craniofacial and spinal surgery.

When creating any material for the implant, tests of its properties on animals are first carried out, and only then the development goes to the stage of clinical research. In the case of cranial injuries, researchers use the mechanical ejection method when testing implant integration. Until now, such experiments have been carried out only on large animals, which is expensive for scientific groups.

The larger the animal, the more expensive its purchase cost and maintenance - the cost of food (taking into account the duration of the experiment), the maintenance of premises and the salary of maintenance personnel. Plus, the costs of operations - anesthesia, antibiotics, the work of veterinary surgeons and postoperative care - are also increasing. On average, the costs of an experiment with large animals can be approximately 50-100 times higher than relatively small, for example, mice. told Anna Karyagina, chief researcher at the N.F. Gamalei Research Center of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, professor, Doctor of Biological Sciences

The scientific team of NUST "MISIS," NITSEM named after N.F. Gamaleya and Moscow State University named after Lomonosov presented the result of a study in which a mechanical ejection test was implemented in a mouse model of implantation into critical-sized skull defects.

Scientists of NUST "MISIS" and NITSEM named after N.F. Gamalei proposed an economical way to test the ingrowth strength of bone implants in critical skull defects

For the first time, we adapted the technology for mice with critical-size bone defects, that is, those that would not have grown themselves during the experiment. The method in combination with traditional computed tomography and histology allows us to clearly show the results of implantation in small laboratory animals, taking into account the structure, biomedical characteristics and mechanical properties. Fyodor Senatov, co-author of the development, director of the REC of Biomedical Engineering NUST "MISIS," Ph.D.

According to the developers, despite the possibilities of using larger animals (due to the size of defects closest to human cases), rodent research will significantly reduce costs, as well as obtain expanded statistics due to the increase in the number of animals in the experiment.

In April 2021, researchers continue to work on optimizing the method.

2017: ARM Development

On May 16, 2017, British microprocessor developer ARM Holdings announced the creation of chips that can be implanted in the brains of paralyzed people. The company is implementing this project in conjunction with the Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering at the University of Washington.

Together, single-chip systems are being developed that will help people with brain and spinal cord injuries perform limb movements familiar to people. According to the developers' plans, the microcircuit will be implanted in the brain without the use of external conclusions.

ARM creates brain-implanted chips to treat paralyzed

At the first stage, it is planned that the chip will allow the signal from the human brain to the stimulator, which is located in the spinal cord, so that paralyzed people or patients with neurological disorders will be able to control and make movements.

At the second stage of the project, a feedback interface will be developed, with the help of which patients will be able to experience tactile sensations again. The technology is designed to help people who have a stroke and have a spinal cord problem or Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

As Peter Ferguson, director of medical technology at ARM Holdings, told the BBC, by May 2017, early prototypes of such chips had been created at the Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering, but they had not yet been able to solve problems with high power consumption and excessive heat generation.

They need something super small and super energy efficient, "Ferguson said.

At the same time, he admitted that the development of a solution that connects to the spinal cord and allows paralyzed people to return motor activity can take a lot of time. The developers hope to create the technology in 10 years.^[6]

Notes