Brain implant links mind and machine
An experimental brain implant the size of an M&M"s candy has allowed a monkey to control a computer cursor by thought alone, Brown University researchers announced Wednesday.
It is the latest advance by scientists trying to perfect a link between mind and machine in the hope that thousands of patients who are unable to move or speak can resume communication with the world around them.
The development heralds a future when the paralyzed and infirm may send e-mail, use the Web and command other computer resources simply by thinking about them.
The new device uses a special mathematical formula to translate signals from a few motor neurons on the surface of the monkey"s brain into movement on a computer screen, with no need for the extensive training previous experimental techniques have required.
"We substituted thought control for hand control," said Brown neuroscientist John Donoghue, the project"s senior researcher.