Science Corporation implants PRIMA chip to help Stargardt disease patient see letters
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims + Mains·
BCI technology and neurotechnology applications in healthcare: a key GS3 Science & Technology topic.
Why in news
Science Corporation CEO Max Hodak announced the successful implantation of the PRIMA chip in a Stargardt disease patient to enable the perception of black and white letters.
Background
The PRIMA chip is a 2mm by 2mm brain-computer interface (BCI) implant. It was first implanted in May at Sydney Eye Hospital to assist a patient with Stargardt disease.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TPRIMA chip: A brain-computer interface (BCI) technology developed by Science Corporation.
- FactPRIMA chip dimensions: 2mm by 2mm.
- PostMax Hodak: CEO of Science Corporation and former co-founder of Neuralink.
- PlaceSydney Eye Hospital: Location of the first PRIMA chip implantation.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the PRIMA chip technology, consider the following statements:
- The chip has dimensions of 5mm by 5mm.
- The first implantation took place at Sydney Eye Hospital.
- The PRIMA chip is a brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)1 and 3 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The chip dimensions are 2mm by 2mm.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the ethical implications and regulatory challenges associated with the advancement of brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Data privacy: Risks of unauthorized access to neural data or cognitive patterns
- Equity of access: High costs of BCI implants potentially widening the health-inequality gap
- Regulatory vacuum: Lack of specific legal frameworks for 'engineered brains' and neural enhancements
Keywords: Brain-Computer Interface · Neurotechnology · Neural Ethics · Biotechnology · Neurodegenerative Diseases
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.