Founder of OpenAI Sam Altmannew initiative Merge Labs is preparing to develop a different approach in the field of brain-computer interface. Member of the founding team of the project Mikhail Shapirois a biomolecular engineer known for his work at the California Institute of Technology. Shapiro’s research aims to interact with nerve cells without disrupting the structure of the brain. In this respect, Merge Labs differs significantly from existing brain technologies.
Merge Labs’ financing process with OpenAI and other investors is ongoing. of the company an investment round of hundreds of millions of dollars is stated to target. In this process, Altman, co-founder Alex Blania It shapes the strategic vision together with It is stated that Altman will serve as chairman of the board of directors, but Blania will carry out daily operations. Thus, Merge Labs gains a multi-layered structure both technically and scientifically.
Shapiro’s laboratory at Caltech, ultrasound-based brain interaction techniques has been working on it for a long time. He conducts experiments that enable cells to respond to ultrasound waves, especially through genetic engineering methods. In this way, nerve cells can be directed externally without the need for surgical intervention. This approach provides an alternative to invasive methods that require opening the brain. In addition, the methods developed by Shapiro pave the way for new applications in both imaging and neural control.
Altman and Shapiro’s shared vision
Altman, in his previous statements neuralinkHe stated that he was not keen on methods that required surgical intervention. According to him, placing a device directly into the human brain carries the risk of damaging nerve cells. Instead, he wants to develop a system that can communicate with thought but does not require physical intervention. Shapiro’s approach, based on ultrasound and genetic engineering, fits right in with this vision. In particular, Shapiro’s words, “My goal is to find ways to communicate with neurons in less invasive ways” clearly show this tendency.
Techniques developed in Shapiro’s laboratory can enable access to deep parts of the brain. In addition, cells changed by gene therapy can respond to ultrasound signals. This method can be used both to read brain signals and to stimulate certain regions. Thus, a two-way interaction can be established between the brain and the computer. Transferring this technology to clinical applications may open new avenues for the treatment of neurological diseases. However, it is also emphasized that ethical and security aspects should be carefully considered.
In a post he made in 2017, Altman predicted that “the year when humans will merge with machines will be between 2025 and 2075.” The establishment of Merge Labs can be considered an early step in this foresight. When Shapiro’s scientific background and Altman’s vision of artificial intelligence are combined, the boundary between human and machine can become more flexible. Thus, brain-computer interface research may open the door to a significant transformation in both medicine and informatics in the future.