In this section of the website I list those discoveries, products, studies, or investigations, that further our understanding of how the brain or body functions. Note that the technologies used in these achievements would interface more directly with the brain or body (invasive).
The research industry seems to keep focus on using and improving invasive and touch technologies, with vast improvements having been made in providing the ability to extract faint biological signals – like this miniaturized electrode system that bonds to the complex curvature of the ear’s auricle and the adjacent mastoid. This solution is reported durable, remaining bonded to the skin for periods of two weeks and withstanding normal activities such as vigorous exercise, showering, and swimming. Another article here, shows how small this solution is. Another reference here.
Here is a list of just a few of the more interesting studies that have been performed:
Decoding Personal Thoughts / Dreams:
- Scientists have a device that will speak the thoughts in your mind – without your saying them! It can decode your inner most thoughts! Another article here.
- A brain to computer interface (BCI) that translates brain signals into words.
- A BCI that can reconstruct speech from brainwaves. Here is another article – slightly different approach here that uses the human auditory cortex.
- A BCI that can decode spoken phrases from phone representations in the brain.
- Here is an article reviewing how mind-reaching machines that translate thoughts into speech are coming closer to reality.
- An article describing how scientists are now able to reconstruct thoughts from brain waves in real-time.
- The Brain Talker, which is able to decode a user’s mental intent using extracted (read) EEG signals.
- An article showcasing how scientists have used a combination of AI and EEG to reconstruct the images that we are looking at with our eyes!
- An article describing how scientists have used an AI to turn brain activity into text (another here). Another like article here.
Life Enhancing / Physical Disability Correction:
- Scientists have made a bionic eye that interfaces directly with the brain.
- Scientists created a bionic eye prototype that stimulates the visual cortex to restore sight.
- An article describing how scientists wired a silicon chip embedded in the eye directly to the optic nerve to restore sight in an animal.
- Using a BCI, scientists are working on the worlds first paralyzed person that is to be ‘reanimated’ using his body and without prosthetics.
- A wireless Brain to Computer Interface!
- An article showcasing how extremely low-frequency magnetic fields may be useful in the neuropathic pain therapies.
- An implant that stimulates your vargus nerve, relieving arthritis pain.
- A bionic eye prototype that stimulates visual cortex to restore sight. Another article here.
- A new University of Utah study shows that brain signals controlling arm movements can be detected accurately using new microelectrodes that simply sit on the brain – they don’t have to penetrate brain tissue. And a year later, they are now using the technology to interpret speech.