Institute For The Future

Neural Prosthetics

Researchers from the Brain Gate team are beginning a second, larger clinical study of their system, which connects to the motor cortex of the brain and transmits and translates neural signals into computable language. The larger trial will test some of the same software, which, according to a New York Times article about the first tests, allowed a participant to:

 

[M]ove a cursor, open e-mail, play a simple video game called Pong and draw a crude circle on the screen. He could change the channel or volume of a television set, move a robot arm somewhat, and open and close a prosthetic hand.

 

The new trial relies on similar technology as the previous BrainGate study, according to the Scientific American. Researchers hope that including more patients will allow them to better understand how to decode neurotransmitters to eventually develop the tools to enable paralysis victims to regain control over their limbs.