In a world’s first, the human brain is connected to a computer using a wireless connection, replacing the previously used wired connection system, increasing the Brain Gate Technology’s effectiveness for the paralyzed individuals and opening gates for more research on the subject.
With the wireless connection, neuroscientists could transmit single-neuron resolution to the paralyzed person’s brain, as the recent research from Brown University, U.S states. The wireless system deploys small transmitters for signal transmission in basic neuron resolution.
The breakthrough wireless system uses these small transmitters to connect to a person’s brain cortex motor. In its initial experiments, the system proved fruitful with paralyzed individuals using tablet computers 24 hours from their home, not visiting the laboratory like they had to with the wired Brain Gate Technology. The paralyzed individuals aged 35 and 63 showed computer tablet usage was the same as it was found with the wired data transmission systems in lab experiments.
John Simeral, an assistant professor of engineering at Brown University: “We’ve demonstrated that this wireless system is functionally equivalent to the wired systems that have been the gold standard. The signals are recorded and transmitted with appropriately similar fidelity, which means we can use the same decoding algorithms we used with wired equipment.”
“The only difference is that people no longer need to be physically tethered to our equipment, which opens up new possibilities in terms of how the system can be used.”
The advancements in neural interface technologies and rapid growth in neuro research have caught the big sharks’ attention. Musk and Facebook have shown greater interest in wirelessly connecting the human brain with a computer. Musk’s start-up neural link also progresses with developing new systems for the human brain to treat the disabilities. His startup recently placed a chip in a monkey’s brain that allowed it to play video games, proving greater progress in the field.
Covid-19 hindered almost all operations, irrespective of nature. The same was for neural research; however, with the new wireless Brain Gate Technology, the research could continue to grow rapidly. The experiments could be conducted from the patients’ homes for a longer period with ease than with wired connections in laboratories.
“This will help us to design decoding algorithms that provide for the seamless, intuitive, reliable restoration of communication and mobility for people with paralysis.”