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Devices that listen to neural activity can help paralyzed people order computer tablets to stream music, send text messages to friends, check the weather, or surf the Internet.
Three people with paralysis under the neck were able to navigate standard computer tablets with the help of an electrode storage system called BrainGate2. The results, published on November 21 in PLOS One, are the latest to show that neural signals can be exploited to directly allow movement (SN: 16/06/12, p. 5).
Both men and a woman had electrode arrays implanted on a portion of the motor cortex, an area of the brain that helps control movement. Brain implants detected neuronal activity indicating that participants were considering moving a cursor. These models were then sent to a virtual mouse wirelessly coupled to the tablet.
Using nothing but their intention to move a cursor, the three participants performed seven common digital tasks, including web browsing and sending e-mails. A participant examined the care of orchids, ordered supplies online and played digital piano. "The tablet has become a nature for me, very intuitive," she told researchers about her experience, according to the study.
Another participant liked to send text messages to his friends, "especially because I could play with humor," he told the scientists. The system even allowed two of the participants to chat in real time.
For the study, the researchers used tablets with standard parameters, without installing shortcuts or features that make typing or navigation easier.
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