Brain-computer interfaces are already being trialed on humans. Neuralink expects its first human trial in 2022. (Image Credit: Fakurian Design / Unsplash)
Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are making a big splash in the technological world! Philip O’Keefe, a 62-year-old Australian man, suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that left him paralyzed, became the first person to post a Tweet through a BCI. Synchron, the company that developed this technology, wants to make it available for people suffering from paralysis and neurological diseases like Parkinson’s.
This BCI operates through its Stentrode brain implant, placed without brain surgery. The press release says that it uses traditional stroke-treatment techniques to implant the Stentrode through the jugular vein.
O’Keefe, who began losing his independence due to his condition, received the implant in April 2020 and used it to communicate with his family and business colleagues through e-mail. O’Keefe also compared the interface with learning how to ride a bike, which takes practice to master. All he needs to do is think about where to click the mouse on the PC, and the interface provides him with the ability to use online shopping services and banking.
He recently expressed his thoughts on Twitter through Synchron CEO Thomas Oxley’s handle. “no need for keystrokes or voices. I created this tweet just by thinking it.” Oxley stated that the tweet is a critical breakthrough for the BCI field and highlighted the hope, connection, and freedom the technology offers for those suffering from paralysis. Oxley also added Synchron plans to test the BCI on humans in the U.S. sometime this year.
On the other hand, Neuralink could start implanting brain chips in humans this year, according to Elon Musk. The brain-implanted chips record and stimulate brain activity for people with severe spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions.
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