Sam Altman Brain Chip Venture Is Mulling Gene Therapy Approach

The brain chip company that has drawn interest from Sam Altman and his artificial intelligence business OpenAI 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, according to people familiar with the plans who weren’t authorized to speak publicly on the matter. In addition, an ultrasound device would be implanted in the head that could detect and modulate activity in the modified cells, these people said.

It’s one of a handful of ideas ...