In the shimmering fantasy realm of the hit movie ‘Avatar’, a paraplegic Marine leaves his wheelchair behind and finds his feet in a new virtual world thanks to ‘the link’, a sophisticated chamber that connects his brain to a surrogate alien, via computer. This type of interface is a classic tool in gee-whiz science fiction. But the hard science behind it is even more wow-inducing. Researchers are already using brain-computer interfaces to aid the disabled, treat diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and provide therapy for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Work is under way on devices that may eventually let you communicate with friends telepathically, give you superhuman hearing and vision or even let you download data directly into your brain, a la ‘The Matrix’. Researchers are practically giddy over the prospects. At the root of all this technology is the 3-pound generator we all carry in our head. It produces electricity at the microvolt level. But the signals are strong enough to move robots, wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs -- with the help of an external processor. Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) come in two varieties. Noninvasive techniques use electrodes placed on the scalp to measure electrical activity. Invasive procedures implant electrodes directly into the brain. In both cases, the devices interact with a computer to produce a wide variety of applications, ranging from medical breakthroughs and military-tech advances to futuristic video games and toys.
Much of the research focuses on neuroprosthetics, which offer a way for the brain to compensate for injuries and illness. Cochlear implants are the most common neuroprosthetic. They help the brain interpret sounds and are sometimes called ‘bionic ears’ for the deaf. Other researchers are looking for similar ways to help blind people see. None of this comes cheap. Most research is funded by deep pockets such as the National Institutes of Health, the defense department and NASA. But every breakthrough brings the most advanced BCI technologies closer to the mass market. Software entrepreneurs and executives are streaming into Boyden's neuro-ventures class at MIT, looking for ways to capitalize on the array of potential uses for brain-computer interfaces. Some ventures are already up and running. NeuroVigil in California is working on iBrain, designed, in part, to help provide instant feedback to drivers who start falling asleep at the wheel. Eos Neuroscience is developing light-sensitive protein-based sensors that can treat blindness. Numerous companies are developing video games based on direct brain-computer interfacing. Neurosky sells a wireless headset that connects to any computer for a series of brain-training games. NeuroBoy lets you set targets on fire just by concentrating on them. Relax, and your character levitates. Another application lets you see a colorful visualization of your brain-wave activity.
More information:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/12/30/brain.controlled.computers/index.html
More information:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/12/30/brain.controlled.computers/index.html