A company is taking a big step forward in connecting the human brain to computers. The company Synchron is currently conducting clinical trials in the US, which connect the human brain to a computer without the need for additional devices. Imagine a future in which you could directly interface with your computer using only your thoughts. No more keyboard or mouse – you would simply think about what you wanted to do, and it would happen. This technology is not science fiction; it’s actually being worked on right now in the form of Synchron brain computer interfaces (BCIs).
What is Brain Computer Interface?
Brain computer interface (BCI) is a system that records brain activity and translates it into commands that can be used to control external devices. BCI systems are used in a variety of settings, including research, healthcare, and gaming. BCI technology has the potential to revolutionize how we interact with computers and other devices.
BCI systems work by recording brain activity using sensors placed on the scalp or inside the brain. The recorded signals are then processed and translated into commands that can be used to control external devices.
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There are a variety of different BCI technologies under development, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most promising technologies are those that use non-invasive techniques, such as electroencephalography (EEG), to record brain activity. EEG-based BCI systems are relatively easy to use and have the potential to be used in a wide range of applications.
There are still many challenges that need to be addressed before BCI technology can be widely adopted. These include developing more user-friendly interfaces and improving the accuracy of brain activity decoding. Nevertheless, BCI technology holds great promise for enhancing human-computer interaction in the future.
What Synchron’s Brain Computer Interface Can Perform
In order to monitor and record brain activity, Synchron has developed a flexible, nitinol electrode. This is introduced into the jugular vein and then into the superior sagital sinus. It measures the increase of oxygen in the blood that comes from white matter of the brain.
The introduction of stentrodes into the brain via veins is a minimally invasive process. The device attaches to the inner walls of blood vessels, similar to an IV cannula or stent with the purpose of steadying blood flow. The device can be maneuvered throughout the brain and through these pictures, receive and transmit neural signals.
The intention of this project is to use stentrode technology to help severely paralyzed patients. A broad goal is to simplify communication and in turn, improve their lives. The approval of US health authorities for a stentrode was in July 2022 and the implantation of the device allowed for input through “yes or no” actions, as well as control of a computer or mobile device.
Synchron’s BCI can be used to control prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, computers, and other devices. It can also be used to communicate with people who are unable to speak. The BCI can even be used to play video games!
According to an article published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery, “Motor neuroprosthesis implanted with neurointerventional surgery improves capacity for activities of daily living tasks in severe Paralysis first in-human experience, two ALS patients implanted Stentrode BCI electrodes through the jugular vein, without the need for brain opening surgery, they can successfully control the computer directly through the mind.
Conclusion
The Synchron brain computer interface is a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to change the way we interact with computers. This new form of communication could allow us to control computers with our thoughts and emotions, making them more intuitive and natural to use. While there are still some challenges to overcome, the potential benefits of this technology are vast and exciting.
