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Paradromics Breaks Ground with First Human Brain-Computer Interface Implant

Neurotech startup Paradromics has made headlines by successfully implanting its brain-computer interface (BCI) in a human for the first time. This milestone took place at the University of Michigan, with the device being inserted and removed in a swift 20-minute procedure during epilepsy-related neurosurgery.

The Paradromics BCI strives to revolutionize communication for individuals with severe motor impairments, enabling them to use computer systems with brain signals alone. The company’s future clinical trials, set for later this year pending regulatory approval, aim to explore the technology’s long-term viability in humans.

“We’re incredibly excited to move into the clinical stage,” said Matt Angle, founder and CEO of Paradromics. “This success is a testament to our commitment to enhancing BCI technologies.”

While Paradromics’ BCI awaits official clearance from the FDA, this achievement underscores a promising future for BCIs. The company has already demonstrated its skills in animal models, showcasing its ability to capture detailed brain activities at the neuronal level.

Paradromics joins the ranks of other pioneers such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink, Synchron, and Precision Neuroscience in driving forward the BCI space. With almost $100 million in funding and a strategic edge, Paradromics is on track to redefine neurotechnology.

European Central Bank Report Highlights Stable Inflation and Economic Outlook

Overview Of Inflation Trends

The latest European Central Bank survey shows a slight decline in median inflation expectations over the next 12 months, decreasing from 2.8% in August to 2.7% in September. Despite this minor adjustment, consumer perceptions of past 12-month inflation have held steady at 3.1% for the eighth consecutive month. Long-term projections for three- and five-year inflation remain stable at 2.5% and 2.2% respectively.

Consumer Expectations Drive Income And Spending Projections

Across the board, expectations for nominal income growth over the upcoming year have remained consistent at 1.1%. However, there is a noticeable shift in spending behavior: while perceived nominal spending growth for the past year slipped slightly to 4.9% from 5.0%, expectations for spending growth over the next 12 months rose to 3.5%. Notably, lower income groups continue to forecast marginally higher spending increases compared to their higher income counterparts.

Stability In Economic And Labour Market Outlook

Economic growth expectations are modestly pessimistic, with respondents forecasting a contraction of -1.2% over the next 12 months. Concurrently, anticipated unemployment levels remain unchanged at 10.7% a year ahead, though the outlook varies by income, with lower income households expecting unemployment rates as high as 12.7%, while higher income groups maintain expectations around 9.4%. Overall, the slight difference between current and future unemployment suggests a broadly stable labor market outlook.

Housing Market And Credit Conditions

The survey also reveals an upswing in expectations related to the housing market. Home price growth expectations have edged higher to 3.5%, and anticipated mortgage interest rates have risen modestly to 4.6%. Similar to other metrics, expectations vary by income, with lower income households expecting higher mortgage rates. In recent months, a marginal decline in reported credit tightening over the past 12 months contrasts with a renewed forecast of tighter credit conditions in the forthcoming year.

Conclusion

The ECB’s latest findings underscore the delicate balance between stable long-term economic forecasts and short-term adjustments in consumer expectations. The slight dips in inflation expectations, alongside stable perceptions of past inflation, delineate a marketplace that is both cautious and measured. As income, spending, and housing market metrics continue to evolve, these indicators provide critical insights for policymakers and investors navigating an increasingly complex economic landscape.

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