Russian scientists have developed neuroimplants that can restore sight to the blind and make the deaf hear. The devices have been successfully tested. Here are the details.
The ELVIS neuroimplants created by Sensor-Tech specialists are divided into ELVIS V, ELVIS C, and ELVIS DBS. The first implant is designed to restore vision in the blind and visually impaired. The device's chip is implanted in the visual cortex of the brain. A person wears special glasses with cameras. The image is transmitted to a processor, and from there to the implant installed in the patient's brain.
The ELVIS V implant allows one to distinguish the contours of objects and their location, as well as the brightness of light. So far, tests have been conducted on animals. They were successful. Human trials are scheduled for 2025. If they also go as planned, then surgeries to install ELVIS V will begin in 2027.
Another implant — ELVIS С — will help people with hearing impairments. This device is installed in the ear and affects its nerve endings. Sounds are captured by a speech processor worn by the patient. Electrodes transmit signals to the nerve endings in the inner ear. The project is in the development stage and is scheduled for completion by 2027.
Scientists from Sensor-Tech want to treat Parkinson's disease with a third implant, which is called ELVIS DBS. This system consists of a network of microelectrodes implanted in the brain and a miniature neurostimulator placed under the skin.
Despite the promise of these developments, there are a number of questions that have not yet been answered. How safe are the implants in the long term, will the technology be available to everyone, will the brains of people who have never seen or heard adapt? Time and the trials scheduled for 2025 will tell.
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