Monkeys Able To Control Computer By Thought

Brain implant links mind and machine

An experimental brain implant the size of an M&M's candy has allowed a monkey to control a computer cursor by thought alone, Brown University researchers announced Wednesday.

It is the latest advance by scientists trying to perfect a link between mind and machine in the hope that thousands of patients who are unable to move or speak can resume communication with the world around them.

The development heralds a future when the paralyzed and infirm may send e-mail, use the Web and command other computer resources simply by thinking about them.

The new device uses a special mathematical formula to translate signals from a few motor neurons on the surface of the monkey's brain into movement on a computer screen, with no need for the extensive training previous experimental techniques have required.

"We substituted thought control for hand control," said Brown neuroscientist John Donoghue, the project's senior researcher.

News source: Siliconvalley.com