Head Transplants by Robots Expected Within a Decade

In what seems straight out of a B-grade sci-fi/horror film, head transplant operations entirely performed by robotic surgeons could be a reality within a decade, according to startup BrainBridge.

This idea comes from Hashem Al-Ghaili, the Berlin-based molecular biologist turned filmmaker, producer, author, and science communicator, known for his 2022 proposal of a futuristic, dystopian artificial-womb baby-making factory called EctoLife.

Redefining Transplants

His latest project, BrainBridge, aims to utilize high-speed robotic systems to maintain brain condition during the process of transplanting a head onto a compatible donor body. (Wouldn’t that technically be a body transplant? There are certainly more critical questions to consider here…)

We believe it’s appropriate to preface this conceptual video with a content warning…

In a bold move that makes Neuralink look like a simple scalp massage, Al-Ghaili plans to perform full head and face transplants to provide individuals with severe disabilities a new chance at life.

During the surgery, AI algorithms would guide multiple robotic arms, overseeing the detachment of the head and its attachment to a different body, while also reconnecting the spinal cord, nerves, and blood vessels. Proprietary chemical adhesives and polyethylene glycol would aid in rejoining the severed neurons.

“I’m thrilled to announce BrainBridge, the world’s first head transplant system concept, which integrates advanced robotics and artificial intelligence to perform complete head and face transplantation procedures,” Al-Ghaili announced on social media. “This cutting-edge system offers new hope to patients with untreatable conditions such as stage-4 cancer, paralysis, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.”

Al-Ghaili’s Initial Tease of BrainBridge and the Eight-Year Plan

Al-Ghaili first teased his ambitious new science project on X late last year, mentioning that the eight-year plan to the first surgery allows him to recruit “top talent to overcome current challenges” in medicine, such as the complexity of spinal cord repair.

He expressed his intention for BrainBridge to begin with successful spinal cord surgeries before advancing to the head/body transplant operations.

Yet, the medical science community has been notably reserved in its reaction to the official launch of BrainBridge.

This isn’t the initial occasion where the prospect of head transplants has been raised. Italian doctor Sergio Canavero previously made bold claims about performing such surgeries as early as 2017, but failed to materialize them.

Body Part Exchange in Comparison to “Face/Off” Premise

His endeavors extended only to exchanging body parts between two cadavers, akin to the premise of the film “Face/Off” starring Nicolas Cage and John Travolta.

Nevertheless, Al-Ghaili deserves acknowledgment for his inventive strategy to advance in the experimental transplant domain. (Pardon the pun.)

“BrainBridge aims to perform facial and scalp transplants to restore both function and aesthetics,” the website of the startup indicates, although it lacks detailed information.

“Utilizing younger donor tissues decreases the likelihood of rejection and improves appearance, coupled with precise suturing and comprehensive post-operative care to facilitate healing and reduce scarring.”

The website emphasizes that BrainBridge is still “in the conceptual phase,” so there’s no opportunity to join a waiting list at this time.

To conclude, And if you happened to overlook EctoLife’s surreal promotional video for its futuristic baby factory, it’s worth a watch…

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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