BRAIN GATE
DESCRIPTION
INRODUCTION
CLINICAL TRIALS
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Cyberkinetics neurotechnology systems provides turn-key solutions for neuroscience
researchers invested in recording neural signals from populations of neurons over a long
period of time. Their solutions include Multi electrode array ,the cerebus 128 channel
data acquisition system,and a surgical training program.
A team of neuroscientists had implanted a chip in to the brain of a quadriplegic
man,allowing him to control a computer has been able to check email and play computer
games simply using thoughts. He can also turn lights on and off and control a television,
all while talking and moving his head.
The chip called Brain gate,is being developed by Massachusetts-based neurotechnology
company cyberkinetics.
PLATFORM T ECHNOLOGY
S ENSE
BRAIN CHIP
Brain Gate offers the possibility of hitherto unimaginable levels of
independence for the severely disabled. Although many are able to control computers
with their eyes or tongue such techniques remain dependent on muscular function and
require extensive training. The ultimate goal is to develop the Brain Gate System so
that it can be linked to many useful devices, “said Donoghuc, who this month
received an innovation award from Discover Magazine for his work on Brain Gate. “
I his includes medical devices such as muscle stimulators, to give the physically
disabled a significant improvement in their ability to interact with the world.” The
four-millimeter square chip, which is placed on the surface of the motor cortex area
of the brain, contains 100 electrodes each thinner than a hair which detect neural
electrical activity. The sensor is then connected to a computer via a small wire
attached to a pedestal mounted on the skull. “We now have early evidence that a
person unable to move their arms hands and legs can quickly gain control of a system
which uses thoughts to control a computer and perform meaningful tasks. With
additional development this may represent a significant breakthrough for people with
severe disabilities”. They have a research participant who is capable of controlling his
environment by thought alone-something we have only found in science fiction so
far,” said triehs. They hope that the trial will continue as successfully as it has started
and that all other candidates will have as great an experience as our first candidate
did.”
FEATURES
Brain Gate is a brain implant system developed by the bio-tech
company Cyber kinetics in 2003 in conjunction with the department of Neuroscience
at Brown University. The device was designed to help those who have lost control of
their limbs, or other bodily functions, such as patients with amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS) or spinal cord injury. The computer chip, which is implanted into the
brain, monitors brain activity in the patient and converts the intention of the user into
computer commands.
Currently the chip uses 100 hair-thin electrodes that sense the
electromagnetic signature of neurons firing in specific areas of the brain, for example,
the area that controls arm movement. The activity is translated into electrically
charged signals and are then sent and decoded using a program, which can move
either a robotic arm or a computer cursor. According to the Cyberkinetics’ website,
three patients have been implanted with the Brain Gate system. The company has
confirmed that one patient (Matt Nagle) has a spinal cord injury, whilst another has
advanced ALS.
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved
the Brain Gate Non Interface System for general use.
CONCLUSION
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