China’s tech landscape is witnessing advancements in the brain-computer interface sector, with Gestala, a startup based in Chengdu, at the forefront. Unlike traditional methods that require invasive implants, Gestala aims to access the brain using noninvasive ultrasound technology.
Gestala’s CEO and co-founder, Phoenix Peng, revealed the company’s plan to stimulate and eventually read brain activity through ultrasound. This approach marks a significant shift in brain-computer interface development, enabling advancements without the need for surgical procedures.
Ultrasound, commonly used for medical imaging, utilizes high-frequency sound waves for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Gestala’s focused ultrasound could potentially revolutionize treatments for conditions like chronic pain by targeting specific brain regions responsible for pain perception.
Initial studies have shown promising results, indicating that stimulating the anterior cingulate cortex through ultrasound can effectively reduce pain intensity for extended periods. Gestala’s upcoming device, expected to be a stationary benchtop machine, will initially be deployed in clinical settings, requiring patients to visit designated clinics for treatment.
Collaborations with hospitals in China are already underway as Gestala prepares to embark on clinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of their innovative technology.
Source: WIRED