The intersection of neuroscience and technology, Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are fascinating innovations that connect the complexities of the human brain and technology. BCI’s powerful abilities have created new strides in human cognitive and physical ability, and potentially even international exchange. 

Brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs, are systems that gain signals from the central nervous system, analyze the signals, and translate the signals into a desired action (Figure 1) [1]. These fascinating new systems are an informational gateway between brains and machines [3]. 

Essentially, BCIs artificially elevate synaptic plasticity within the brain, which is a change that occurs in the synapses (the area that connects neurons). This process allows neurons to establish a better connection, a feature especially useful for people who experience disorders where a neural connection is lacking [2]. Some examples of these disorders are neuromuscular conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and strokes. BCIs can even aid people who have experienced head trauma or spinal cord injuries in regaining mobility [1].  

Figure 1: [6] This image depicts the inner workings and process of BCIs. BCIs begin with feature extraction, where the BCI acquires signals from the nervous system. Next is feature selection where the BCI narrows the signal to produce the most precise outcome. After, is feature classification, which classifies the type of signal being received and analyzes it. Finally, there is feature translation where signals are translated into specific actions. In this specific example, the BCI is being used to provide a gateway between the signals in the body (and nervous system) and the prosthetic arm. 

BCIs can be split into two different categories, non-invasive and invasive (Figure 2). Non-invasive BCI systems utilize electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) instead of a surgical approach [3]. These devices allow for neural processes to be accurately depicted, a helpful tool for studying BCIs and the brain [4]. Next, invasive BCIs record brain activity signals using a surgical approach. This approach utilizes surgically implanted electrodes, close to specific neurons in deep brain structures. Some examples of these are microelectrode array (MEA), stereo-electroencephalography (sEEG), deep brain stimulation electrodes (DBS), and electrocorticography electrodes (ECoG) [3]. While both invasive and non-invasive BCI systems are available, there are pros and cons to both of these systems. One advantage of the invasive BCI systems is their functionality. Invasive BCIs have a higher capacity to tell when and where brain activity is occurring. In addition, implanted electrodes involved in invasive BCIs can be placed directly near targeted areas which raises the effectiveness of BCIs in decoding information and performing functions [3]. However, invasive BCIs also have disadvantages such as complications in the surgical procedure, less flexibility in their development, and high expense. Conversely, non-invasive BCI systems are less risky, however, they are not able to perform their function at as high a level as invasive BCIs. While there are several challenges in invasive BCI systems, scientists believe that the high level of resolution in invasive BCIs is essential for the future of neurotechnology and are working to combat the challenges (Figure 2) [3]. 

Figure 2:[5] This figure demonstrates the BCI market share in terms of invasive BCIs versus non-invasive BCIs as of 2021. 

Throughout the world, BCIs are spreading rapidly. Particularly, the fastest growing market is in the Asia-Pacific such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Australia, and China (Figure 3). As of 2022, there was a BCI market of 145.7 million in Japan (and growing at an annual rate of 17.1%, 64.5 million in India (and growing at an annual rate of  17.6%), and 86.8 million in China (and growing at an annual rate of 18.5%) [5].

Figure 3: [5] This figure demonstrates the market share distribution of BCIs in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America as of 2021. 

The rise of neurotechnology (including BCIs) in the Asia-Pacific derives from several factors. Firstly, rising government support and extensive neurological research are components of the increase in the BCI market [5]. Increased government support in neurotechnology has led to a rise in funds for the development of advanced infrastructure and has increased awareness about advanced healthcare solutions for neurological conditions (such as BCIs) [5]. For instance, the Korean government has made neurotechnology a national priority. With the Korean Brain Initiative (KBI), Korea has made strides in brain mapping of the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia to gain information on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease, diseases affecting high populations throughout Asia [11] [8]. In addition, the favorable low taxes and cheap manufacturing sites have created a desire for collaborations with the Asia-Pacific [5]. These global collaborations have shown to be essential in BCIs and complex neurotechnology growth. 

While BCIs are a major advancement in the world of neurotechnology, many ethical considerations have negatively impacted the spread of BCIs and worldwide acceptance. Firstly, a lack of knowledge about Brain-Computer Interfaces is limiting its spread throughout the global sphere. BCIs are highly experimental devices, with patients strictly confined to clinical trials. While invasive BCIs have many benefits, there are safety concerns about implanting such a device into as complex a structure as the brain. Scientists believe that infection, brain trauma, and scarring pose BCIs as a threat [9]. Without enough knowledge concerning BCIs, scientists do not know about the potential side effects of inserting BCIs, and if BCIs can be taken out safely after being put in [9]. In addition, scientists do not completely know about the functionality of BCIs long-term. For instance, if the interface suddenly stops working, there is no way to tell the consequences that might arise. Also, scientists do not know the dangers of BCIs on people’s personalities. Since there is not much information, inserting BCIs could mean changing how a person acts and what they remember [9]. 

Finally, BCI’s ability to extract brain signals raises security concerns between countries and people. With a lack of knowledge about BCIs, scientists do not know the extent to which signals are being extracted from the brain. For instance, while a person may want to carry out a desired action, the BCI could potentially extract information from the person that was not meant to be extracted. Furthermore, hacking takes place daily across various platforms including social media, gaming, and messaging. Since BCIs are computers, there is no way to ensure that they will not be hacked. The People’s Republic of China has begun large neuroscience projects in collaboration with other countries in the Asia-Pacific [10]. In terms of national security, it is predicted that the use of BCIs throughout the world will play a role in politics and commercial and military sectors [10]. Both the United States and China have come out and stated that they intend to use BCIs for commercial and military use [10]. Given the competitive relationship between China and the US, especially in the world of neurotechnology, discussion about how the two countries will proceed in terms of BCIs is ongoing.  

Sources:

[1]: Brain-Computer Interfaces in Medicine – Science Direct 

[2]: Synaptic Brain Plasticity– Queensland Brain Institute

[3]: Modulating Brain Activity with Invasive Brain-Computer Interface: A Narrative Review– National Library of Medicine

[4]: Multimodal Neuroimaging with Optically Pumped Magnetometers– Science Direct

[5]: Brain Computer Interface Market– Precedence Research

[6]: Bleak Cyborg Future from Brain-Computer Interfaces if We’re Not Careful– American Institute of Physics

[7]: Science and Tech Spotlight: Brain-Computer Interfaces– US Government Accountability Office

[8]: Korea Brain Initiative: Emerging Issues and Institutionalization of Neuroethics– Science Direct

[9]: Ethical Aspects of Brain-Computer Interfaces: A Scoping Review– BMC Medical Ethics

[10]: Neurotechnology and International Security: Predicting Military Adoption of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) in the United States and China- Cambridge University Press [11]: Asia’s Neurology Market– Med Tech Intelligence