neurotechnology AI News & Updates
Science Corp. Advances Biohybrid Brain-Computer Interface Toward First Human Trials
Science Corporation, founded by former Neuralink president Max Hodak, is preparing to conduct first US human trials of a biohybrid brain-computer interface that combines lab-grown neurons with electronics. The company has recruited Yale neurosurgeon Dr. Murat Günel to lead trials of an advanced sensor that will rest on the brain's surface, with initial tests planned for patients already requiring brain surgery. Unlike conventional electrode-based BCIs, this approach aims to create biological integration between electronics and the brain to treat neurological conditions and potentially enable human enhancement.
Skynet Chance (+0.04%): The development of biohybrid interfaces that integrate lab-grown neurons with electronics represents a novel pathway for brain-computer integration with potentially more durable and sophisticated control mechanisms. While currently focused on medical applications, the explicit goal of human enhancement and adding new senses introduces alignment challenges around augmented cognitive capabilities.
Skynet Date (+0 days): This represents an alternative technological pathway to brain-computer interfaces that may take longer to mature than conventional electrode approaches, slightly delaying potential risks. However, if successful, biological integration could ultimately enable more powerful human-AI coupling than current methods.
AGI Progress (+0.03%): Biohybrid brain-computer interfaces could enable more sophisticated bidirectional communication between biological and artificial intelligence systems, representing progress toward tighter integration of human cognition with AI. The biological approach may overcome limitations of electrode-based systems and enable more complex neural interfacing crucial for AGI-human collaboration.
AGI Date (+0 days): The $1.5 billion valuation and $230 million funding, combined with concrete plans for human trials by 2027, accelerates development of advanced brain-computer interfaces. This technology could speed pathways to AGI by enabling direct neural interfaces for AI systems to interact with human intelligence and learn from biological neural processing.
OpenAI Leads $250M Investment in Sam Altman's Brain-Computer Interface Startup Merge Labs
OpenAI has invested in CEO Sam Altman's brain-computer interface startup Merge Labs, leading its $250 million seed round at an $850 million valuation. The company aims to develop non-invasive neural interfaces using molecules and ultrasound to connect humans with AI, competing with Elon Musk's Neuralink. The investment raises concerns about circular dealing, as Merge Labs could function as a "remote control" for OpenAI's software, potentially driving users to OpenAI while increasing the value of Altman's personal holdings.
Skynet Chance (+0.06%): Direct integration of human brains with AI systems creates new pathways for loss of human agency and potential manipulation of neural activity by AI systems. The goal of "merging" humans with superintelligent AI to survive it paradoxically increases dependency and control risks.
Skynet Date (-1 days): The substantial $250M investment and OpenAI's direct involvement accelerates the timeline for human-AI integration, which Altman explicitly frames as necessary for humanity's survival against superintelligent AI. This suggests expectations of advanced AI capabilities arriving sooner than previously anticipated.
AGI Progress (+0.04%): Brain-computer interfaces represent a significant expansion of AI capabilities by providing direct neural data and control mechanisms, potentially accelerating feedback loops between human intelligence and AI systems. OpenAI's commitment to developing AI operating systems that interpret neural signals indicates progress toward more general intelligence applications.
AGI Date (-1 days): The major investment and OpenAI's plans to integrate scientific foundation models with neural interface technology accelerates multiple AGI-relevant research streams simultaneously. The timeline acceleration is evidenced by Altman's 2017 prediction of a merge between 2025-2075, with active development now underway in 2026.