Submission + - 'Brain Carpet' Translates Thoughts Into Action
cortex writes: "Discovery News reports:
Instead of violently shoving a giant needle into the brain a la "The Matrix," Utah scientists are reading thoughts by carpeting the brain with microelectrodes.
There are now three methods to turn brain thought into prosthetic action. Each has positives and negatives. Some devices can be slipped on as easily as hats, but they aren't specific. The most detailed readings, from even a single neuron, come from threading tiny electrodes deep into the brain, but such operations are risky and very invasive.
While still invasive (the skull must be sawed off), placing electrodes on the surface of the brain instead of inside the brain gives more precise readings while decreasing the risk to patients."
Instead of violently shoving a giant needle into the brain a la "The Matrix," Utah scientists are reading thoughts by carpeting the brain with microelectrodes.
There are now three methods to turn brain thought into prosthetic action. Each has positives and negatives. Some devices can be slipped on as easily as hats, but they aren't specific. The most detailed readings, from even a single neuron, come from threading tiny electrodes deep into the brain, but such operations are risky and very invasive.
While still invasive (the skull must be sawed off), placing electrodes on the surface of the brain instead of inside the brain gives more precise readings while decreasing the risk to patients."
