An American woman suffering from the severe muscle wasting disease ALS has set a remarkable record.
Thanks to a chip in her brain, she was able to “speak” relatively quickly, despite the fact that the ability to speak is completely gone.
She used her mind.
Mind reader
The brain chip, a so-called “brain-computer interface” (BCI), was connected to the part of the brain that creates speech.
With advanced technology and artificial intelligence, the machine was able to decipher the patient’s nerve signals, and form words from them.
Words that matched what the patient was thinking.
Together, the woman and the machine were able to create sentences such as “I don’t own my home” and “it’s just tough”.
The results are striking, according to researchers. The woman was able to form these sentences at a speed of 62 words per minute.
That’s three times faster than anyone has managed in previous experiments.
In comparison, normal conversation has a speed of 160 words per minute.
THOUGHT POWER: “Brain-computer interface” and thought management have been under development for a number of years. At a robot conference in Beijing in 2018, the researchers showed how they used their thoughts to control a robot. Photo: Reuters/Jason Lee.
– Very interesting
Researchers from the renowned Stanford University are behind the experiment.
They have recently published a study about the findings. It is mentioned in MIT Technology Review.
The study has not been formally peer-reviewed and the researchers emphasize that the findings cannot therefore be considered conclusive yet.
Nevertheless, the research arouses curiosity among Norwegian experts.
– This is very interesting and exciting, says Joel Glover, professor of physiology at the University of Oslo.
Complicated
He explains that it is very complicated to pick up the signals in the brain, which create language.
The results of the female ALS patient impress him.
Glover emphasizes that the researchers have only tested the chip on this one patient.
– You cannot know whether it is the technology itself, the abilities of that person, or a combination, that creates the results.
He receives support from Professor Ole-Bjørn Tysnes at Haukeland University Hospital.
CURIOUS: Professor Ole-Bjørn Tysnes at Haukeland University Hospital works extensively with ALS. Photo: Ivar Lid Riise / TV 2
– It is fantastic if this is possible, but it probably requires an insane amount of training, he says.
They nevertheless agree that the experiment is a clear step forward in the field of research.
– Technology has probably contributed significantly. They have made some improvements from previous studies, says Joel Glover.
Further development
American researchers have already called the project a breakthrough, according to Technology Review. One of them believes that this chip will be able to be used soon.
The use of artificial intelligence will probably make “mind reading” even better in the future, writes the website.
Several American companies claim they have developed machines that can scan tens of thousands of brain cells simultaneously.
In the breach for this development we find, among others, Elon Musk himself, and the company Neuralink.
ON THE MATTER: Multi-billionaire and entrepreneur Elon Musk has a foot in many industries. He is behind the neurotechnology company Neuralink. Photo: Britta Pedersen/AFP.
Joel Glover emphasizes that a brain implant used in this study is a serious and expensive intervention.
– I would be careful to say that this will be available to all ALS patients who cannot speak, says Glover.
Although it can improve the communication skills of ALS patients, not everyone can tolerate, or benefit from, the treatment.
Ole-Bjørn Tysnes emphasizes that there are a number of patient groups who have lost the ability to speak.
– There are patients who live for several years without communicating. For them, this may be very relevant, he says.
