Precision Neuroscience, a brain-computer interface expert, claims a new record of the number of electrodes surgically inserted into the human brain.  With 4,096 electrodes, Precision believes it has doubled the previously published figure of 2,048 set last year by a group of researchers led by Hao Tan.

For context, Elon Musk's Neuralink is currently at the top with 1,024 electrodes for its brain-computer interface (BCI). Because we don't think the electrodes are BCIs colors, we count everything and end everything because of our ignorance. But it certainly gets you bragging rights.

Like other BCI outfits, Precision Neuroscience aims to restore functions such as speech and movement to millions of severely paralyzed people.

As it happens, precision neuroscience was co-founded by neurosurgeon Ben Rapoport, who was previously co-founder of Neuralink. Several other advanced precision neuroscience is Neuralink aluminium.

It is the attitude towards invasiveness that precision neuroscience appears to be starting from Neuralink. "We believe that it is possible to interface with the brain without harming the brain," Rapoport says.

In particular, he also reportedly discussed how his concerns about safety and the invasiveness of implants contributed to his withdrawal from Neuralink (via Ars Technica). 

In any case, to set a new record, neuroscience surgically implanted 4 of the latest layer 7 cortical interface thin film microelectrode arrays, each with 1,024 small electrodes, into the brains of an unnamed subject during 4 months of benign brain tumor surgery.

Precision states that its thin-film microelectrode array is designed to fit into the cortex of the brain without damaging tissue. Using a patented, minimally invasive insertion method thousands of channels can be delivered anywhere on the surface of the brain.

As for how it works, when the brain processes information or initiates action, it generates electrical signals. Thin-film electrodes provide a view on brain activity and can capture these signals on a micron scale. More electrodes means more data, higher resolution images of brain activity.

"This record is an important step towards a new era. The ability to capture cortical information of this size and scale could allow us to understand the brain in a much deeper way," rapoport said after the procedure.

Notably, Precision's device doesn't penetrate the brain at all — it's a film sitting on the outer cortex. The insertion is said to only require a thin slit in the skull that can pass through a ribbon-like layer 7 cortical interface device. If it needs to be removed, Precision claims it can slip out of the brain and do harm.

In contrast, Neuralink's BCI device utilizes a wire that is 3-5 millimeters thinner than hair embedded in the brain by a surgical robot. Neuralink reported earlier this month that 85 percent of the wires were retracted from the subject's brain within weeks of surgery. As a result, it is planned to go deeper, to eight millimeters, with the second subject.

It is anyone's guess whether either approach will win or, in fact, will require both less invasive techniques for different applications. But we still do not expect to control our game with the power of pure thought. Especially if you need an implant in your head, no matter how small the slit is...