Max Hodak, the co-founder and CEO of Science Corp., is revolutionizing the field of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. With a background in programming and neuroscience, Hodak worked alongside Elon Musk at Neuralink before launching Science Corp. with a team of former colleagues. Their goal is to push the boundaries of cognition and reshape human consciousness.
The BCI industry is rapidly growing, with nearly 700 companies worldwide involved in BCI technology. Major players like Neuralink, Microsoft Research, and Apple are making significant strides in this field. China has also announced ambitious plans to become a global leader in BCI technology by 2030.
While the neuroscience behind BCI technology isn’t new, Science Corp. is focusing on engineering innovations. They have developed a product called Prima, a groundbreaking procedure that restores vision to individuals with advanced macular degeneration. The procedure involves implanting a small computer chip in the retina, paired with camera-equipped glasses to provide clear vision.
In clinical trials, 80% of patients who underwent the Prima procedure were able to read again, a significant breakthrough in vision restoration. Science Corp. acquired Prima from Pixium Vision, refined the technology, and completed trials for approval in Europe. They are now working towards launching the product next summer, pending FDA approval.
Hodak believes that Science Corp. can achieve profitability by performing just 50 procedures per month, with each procedure costing around $200,000. The company is also exploring gene therapy, specifically optogenetic gene therapy, to make neurons light-sensitive for controlled stimulation.
Science Corp. is at the forefront of BCI technology, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in neuroscience and engineering. With a focus on commercializing their products and generating revenue, they are paving the way for a future where advanced technology can reshape human capabilities and consciousness.
That’s when the first biohybrid neural interfaces, like the ones being developed by Science Corp., are expected to be available for patients in need. These groundbreaking devices represent a major advancement in the field of neuroscience and could potentially revolutionize the way we think about consciousness and brain-computer interfaces.
The concept behind biohybrid neural interfaces is both simple and complex. By engineering neurons to respond to light or other stimuli, researchers like Hodak are essentially creating a new way for the brain to communicate with external devices. Instead of relying on traditional electrodes, which can cause tissue damage and have limitations in terms of scalability, these biohybrid interfaces offer a more natural and biocompatible approach.
In animal tests, the results have been promising. Mice implanted with the biohybrid neural interfaces were able to learn to move left or right when the device was activated. This demonstrates the potential for these devices to restore lost function in patients with conditions like spinal cord injuries or blindness.
But the ultimate goal of this research goes beyond simply restoring movement or vision. Hodak envisions a future where consciousness itself can be engineered and manipulated. By understanding the physical laws that govern subjective experience, scientists may one day be able to create conscious machines that transcend the limitations of traditional human biology.
This vision of a future where consciousness is flexible, adaptable, and interconnected raises profound ethical and philosophical questions. What does it mean to be human in a world where our consciousness can be transferred to different substrates or shared among multiple individuals? How will society adapt to the radical changes that biohybrid neural interfaces could bring about?
Despite the uncertainties and potential risks, Hodak remains optimistic about the future of this technology. He believes that by 2035, biohybrid neural interfaces will be available to those who need them most, and that by the late 2040s, the technology will be ubiquitous.
Whether this future comes to pass remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the work being done by researchers like Hodak at Science Corp. is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of neuroscience and brain-computer interfaces. And the implications of their research could be truly transformative for the way we think about our brains, our bodies, and our consciousness. In a recent discussion, Hodak made a bold prediction about the future of healthcare and technology. He suggested that in the near future, individuals facing terminal illnesses may have the option to have their consciousness uploaded into a matrix through BCI technology. This could potentially offer them a chance at extended life, albeit in a digital form. The idea sparked a mix of fascination and concern among the audience.
One major factor that Hodak highlighted is the potential impact on healthcare economics. Currently, treatments for conditions like macular degeneration are covered by insurance. However, as BCI technology advances and becomes more widespread, the entire healthcare system could face significant challenges. Hodak pointed out that while consumer technology typically experiences deflation, healthcare operates on a fixed budget. As BCI advancements lead to better outcomes and longer lives, there will be a growing demand for healthcare resources. This could create a dilemma where healthcare costs skyrocket to unsustainable levels or access to BCI technology becomes a privilege reserved for the wealthy.
The prospect of class divisions based on cognitive enhancements is unsettling. Imagine competing against someone with enhanced cognitive abilities like perfect recall or instant calculations. The implications of such disparities in a society are concerning.
When asked about the potential societal impacts of these advancements, Hodak admitted to having more concerns about information manipulation through social media platforms like Twitter than through direct brain interfaces. The idea of a hive mind, as depicted in the show “Pluribus,” raises questions about the loss of individual identity in exchange for shared knowledge and understanding.
Reflecting on the conversation, the notion of asking AI for advice, as mentioned by Altman, seemed far-fetched to those unfamiliar with the field. However, considering how many once-audacious ideas have since become reality, it’s wise to keep an open mind and observe how these innovations unfold in the future. The intersection of technology and healthcare is poised to bring about profound changes, and it’s essential to navigate these developments thoughtfully and ethically.
