Controlling a Computer With Thoughts?
It may, in fact, be a possibility. This is a fascinating article about brain-computer interfaced (BCI) technology. Research done at the University of Pittsburgh revealed that it could soon be possible for patients with spinal cord injuries (i.e. specifically quadriplegics, but really anyone with in a paralytic state) to control an external device or machine simply with their thoughts.
The research team(s) have been given two grants for clinical work based on current research done on epilepsy patients who, using the interfaces, moved "cursors and play computer games, as well as in monkeys that through interfaces guided a robotic arm to feed themselves marshmallows and turn a doorknob."
The projects would focus on advance the research in two different aspects. The first would train patients in adapting to and learning how to control devices like computers via thoughts. It uses a type of BCI called electrocorticography (ECoG). The second would expand the research altogether. It utilizes electrodes placed directly on the surface of the brain and can interpret more signals. By doing so scientists on the project hope to see how well it could work for different types of people as well as if the movements simulated could become more complex, allowing for broader and more day-to-day use of the technique in the future.
I find this article fascinating for many reasons: 1) It is relatively new and holds great promise of actually coming to fruition; 2) It could potentially be used in many applications. Even healthy people could start their computer up from far away with just thoughts. But it can also benefit patients in wide variety of physically debilitating conditions. 3) It isn't stopping with current research. At the end of the article it talks about wireless applications. So the research seems to be of continued desire and interest.
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217124913.htm
The research team(s) have been given two grants for clinical work based on current research done on epilepsy patients who, using the interfaces, moved "cursors and play computer games, as well as in monkeys that through interfaces guided a robotic arm to feed themselves marshmallows and turn a doorknob."
The projects would focus on advance the research in two different aspects. The first would train patients in adapting to and learning how to control devices like computers via thoughts. It uses a type of BCI called electrocorticography (ECoG). The second would expand the research altogether. It utilizes electrodes placed directly on the surface of the brain and can interpret more signals. By doing so scientists on the project hope to see how well it could work for different types of people as well as if the movements simulated could become more complex, allowing for broader and more day-to-day use of the technique in the future.
I find this article fascinating for many reasons: 1) It is relatively new and holds great promise of actually coming to fruition; 2) It could potentially be used in many applications. Even healthy people could start their computer up from far away with just thoughts. But it can also benefit patients in wide variety of physically debilitating conditions. 3) It isn't stopping with current research. At the end of the article it talks about wireless applications. So the research seems to be of continued desire and interest.
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217124913.htm
posted by James Spencer at 9:26 AM
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