OpenAI Invests in Sam Altman’s New Brain-Tech Startup Merge Labs
Merge Labs has emerged from stealth with $252 million in funding from OpenAI and others. It aims to use ultrasound to read from and write to the brain.
Crispr Pioneer Launches Startup to Make Tailored Gene-Editing Treatments
Aurora Therapeutics, cofounded by Nobel Prize–winning scientist Jennifer Doudna, plans to use gene editing and a new FDA regulatory pathway to commercialize treatments for rare diseases.
FDA Approves Pill Version of Wegovy
Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide will soon be available in a daily pill Americans can take for weight loss.
Brain Gear Is the Hot New Wearable
Smartwatches are cool and all, but have you considered wearable neurotech?
Sam Altman’s New Brain Venture, Merge Labs, Will Spin Out of a Nonprofit
Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface startup that seeks to read brain activity using ultrasound, is being spun out of Forest Neurotech, a Los Angeles nonprofit.
Former Neuralink Exec Launches Organ Preservation Effort
Science Corporation, founded by Neuralink’s first president, Max Hodak, has unveiled a prototype machine to extend the life of organs for longer periods.
RFK Jr.’s Health Department Is Pondering a National Men’s Health Initiative
At an FDA discussion of testosterone replacement therapy, a top official called for special health centers to address a “men’s health crisis.” Others called to ease men’s access to hormones.
Many States Say They’ll Defy RFK Jr.’s Changes to Hepatitis B Vaccination
Most Democratic-led states will continue to recommend the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, despite a CDC advisory panel’s vote against it.
A Fentanyl Vaccine Is About to Get Its First Major Test
ARMR Sciences of New York is trialing a vaccine in the Netherlands to protect against fentanyl-related overdose and death.
Paradromics Gets FDA Approval to Trial Its Brain Implant in People
The Austin-based startup will test its high-bandwidth device to help restore speech in people with extremely limited movement.