At the Longevity Summit Dublin 2024, Alessandro Maggi, founder of Ecate, delivered a keynote on neural interfaces designed to bridge spinal cord injuries. His work focuses on using bi-directional spinal cord implants to restore lost functions, such as movement and bladder control, in paralyzed patients. Maggi highlighted the complexities of brain-machine interfaces and explained why spinal cord interfaces offer a more feasible path forward in the near term, with human trials expected to begin by 2026.

Key Points:

• Introduction to Neural Interfaces: Alessandro Maggi, founder of Ecate, presented his work on neural interfaces aimed at bridging spinal cord injuries. He emphasized that while biological approaches to longevity are crucial, biotechnological interfaces offer a promising, more immediate solution for restoring lost functions in paralyzed patients.
• Focus on Spinal Cord Injury: Maggi's team is developing bi-directional neural interfaces that can be implanted at the base of the brain or spinal cord. These interfaces could help restore functions such as movement, bladder control, and even sensation by re-establishing communication between the brain and the body.
• Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) for Paralyzed Patients: He discussed the potential for brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) to provide patients with control over their bodies. For example, a BMI could notify a patient when their bladder is full and then assist in urination, offering a significant improvement over current treatments like catheterization.
• Challenges of Brain Interfaces: Maggi highlighted the complexities of working with brain interfaces, such as the need for high data rates, complex decoding algorithms, and the challenges of heat dissipation, which can damage brain tissue. These challenges make spinal cord interfaces a simpler and potentially more effective solution.
• Spinal Cord Interfaces for Precision Control: Spinal cord interfaces offer a simpler structure and more precise control over bodily functions. Maggi’s team demonstrated that they could selectively stimulate certain axon bundles within the spinal cord, which is crucial for restoring specific functions without affecting other areas.
• Preliminary Testing and Future Directions: Early tests in rats showed that these neural interfaces could sense and stimulate action potentials in a controlled manner, enabling functions like bladder control. The next steps include refining the technology for larger animal trials, with the ultimate goal of human trials by 2026.