China's brain-computer interface technology makes breakthrough in brain tumor localization

A Chinese-led research team has achieved a significant breakthrough in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology: a successful clinical trial on the precise localization of deep-seated brain tumor boundaries using implanted microelectrode arrays. The trial was jointly conducted by researchers from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the First Affiliated Hospital at Harbin Medical University on a patient with glioma.

Before surgery, the patient experienced frequent language confusion due to compression from the brain tumor. After the procedure, the patient's speech became clear and fluent, significantly improving the quality of life.

The technology implemented during the surgery provides a real-time, high-precision navigation guide for lesion localization, promising to enable accurate tumor resection while maximizing protection of healthy brain tissue. It is expected to improve postoperative neurological function retention.

This clinical trial is the first of its kind globally. It utilized the clinically applicable BCI micro-electrode "NeuroDepth," which was independently developed by the Aerospace Information Research Institute.

"It has broken through the limitation of traditional neural electrodes, which could only detect signals from cortical based tumors. Our electrodes can capture neural signals across the entire brain -- from the cortex to subcortical regions and even deep brain structures. They are capable of not only detecting neuro-electrophysiological signals but also monitoring neurotransmitter signals, providing more precise information," said Wang Mixia, an associate researcher of the Aerospace Information Research Institute.

Brain tumors such as gliomas and brain metastasis are characterized by high incidence, high mortality, and high recurrence rates. Their infiltrative growth patterns often result in blurred boundaries between tumor tissue and healthy brain tissue, making accurately defining the tumor margin crucial for surgical resection and radiotherapy planning.

Therefore, the successful application of NeuroDepth offers hope for curing these diseases.

The research team stated that they will further expand the application areas of this technology in collaboration with medical institutions. Plans are underway to advance high-precision BCI technology for helping patients who are blind or deaf regain sensory perception.

"On another front, we also have a plan to integrate vascular interventional technologies to develop endovascular brain-computer interfaces. This initiative will focus on researching the recovery of motor functions in paralyzed patients," said Wang.

China's brain-computer interface technology makes breakthrough in brain tumor localization

A group of Japanese peace activists gathered outside the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on Friday to protest the government's push for constitutional revision and the lifting of a ban on lethal weapons exports.

The Japanese government officially revised the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology" and related implementation guidelines on April 21, allowing overseas sales of weapons, including those with lethal capabilities.

Kyodo News, a Japanese news agency, said the changes mark a significant shift in the country's defense policy, noting that it has long touted itself as a "peace-loving nation" under its war-renouncing Constitution since its defeat in World War II.

The protesters accused the Takaichi administration of lifting the export ban without sufficient debate or deliberation in the National Diet.

"Without full discussions in the National Diet, the government just arbitrarily decided on arms exports and made various excuses for it. Also, regarding the incident of intrusion into the Chinese embassy, the government has not issued an apology. Japan should be on friendly terms with neighboring countries, yet it engages in actions that incite confrontation. [Constitutional revision] is truly disturbing. Especially nowadays, the Liberal Democratic Party and Prime Minister Takaichi are pushing for arms exports in order to build a nation capable of waging war. This is absolutely unacceptable," one female protester said.

"As a matter of fact, it [lifting the ban on lethal weapons exports] was arbitrarily decided by the cabinet without any consideration of people's opinions. Revising the pacifist constitution will undoubtedly harm Japan's national interests. I sincerely hope that the Takaichi administration will stop this practice," a male protester said.

"Article 9 of Japan's constitution has gradually, to some extent, been distorted by various faits accomplis. While Japan is nominally a 'peaceful country,' this is not the case in reality," another female protester said.

Protesters rally in Tokyo against arms exports, constitutional revision