Sam Altman's Brain Chip Venture Is Mulling Gene Therapy Approach

Sam Altman's brain-chip venture is exploring the idea of genetically altering brain cells to make better implants. 'The company, which has been referred to as Merge Labs, is looking at an approach involving gene therapy that would modify brain cells,' reports Bloomberg. 'In addition, an ultrasound device would be implanted in the head that could detect and modulate activity in the modified cells.' From the report: It's one of a handful of ideas and technologies the company has been exploring, they said. The venture is still in early stages and could evolve significantly. 'We have not done that deal yet,' Altman told journalists at a dinner Thursday in San Francisco, referring to a question about a brain-computer interface venture. 'I would like us to.' Altman said he wants to be able to think something and have ChatGPT respond to it.

For years, researchers have been studying how to genetically change cells to make them respond to ultrasound, a field called sonogenetics. The idea Merge is considering to combine ultrasound with gene therapy could take years, some of the people said. Ultrasound has attracted significant attention recently as a possible brain therapy. Other companies are exploring the idea of using ultrasound transmitters outside the brain to massage brain tissue, with the goal of treating psychiatric conditions. That kind of technology has shown promise in research studies.

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