Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new, more precise way of placing microelectrodes on the surface of the
brain to enable patients to turn thoughts into action. Led by Bradley Greger, a professor of bioengineering, the "Brain Carpet" as it's called, represents a "modest advance" in techniques already in use. The Brain Carpet makes use of smaller microelectrodes, and also employs many more than are usually used. The method involves sawing off the skull of the patient, then placing 32 electrodes about 2mm apart on the surface of the brain. Though they've conducted tests on just a handful of patients -- all epileptics -- the technique, they believe could also be used to help people control their
prosthetic limbs much more effectively. The electrodes allow detection of the electric signals in the brain which control arm and hand movements. In the tests, patients have successfully controlled a cursor on a computer screen following the operation, and they see applications for brain-machine interface devices in the future. There's no word on when the Brain Carpet will move from the research to reality phase, but the group's findings have just recently appeared in the journal
Neurosurgical Focus.
posted July 31st 2009 8:41PM
Honestly, I think this will evolve something like the face transplants they commenced a couple of years ago. It will most likely be limited to very extreme cases where the person is likely to need highly invasive brain surgery regardless of the need for a brain carpet.
However, I think that there is a very large amount of potential for this. Just think, you could wire a Bluetooth module to peoples' brains, and allow them to communicate telepathically! :P
Cool
What if I'm givin a nasty look to someone? At least I can keep myself from doing something really bad. Ha?
Borg!
am I the only one reminded of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOe_4mgmyyA
cool?
I for one welcome the doctors that refuse to saw off my skull.
(variation on a theme)
its meme, so double fail.
UHm, no.