Brain-computer interface allowed Mark, a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, to regain some of his independence
A 64-year-old man diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease that causes paralysis and muscle weakness, has managed to control the virtual assistant Alexafrom the Amazon, using only thoughtthanks to a brain implant developed by the American company Synchron. The technology has allowed patients to perform various activities, such as watching streaming content, controlling smart devices in their homes and even shopping online, all without the need to use their hands or their voice.
The implant, a brain-computer interface (BCI), was inserted into a blood vessel on the surface of the patient’s brain, allowing him to mentally “touch” the icons on an Amazon Fire tablet. This innovation represents an advance in the field of brain-machine interfaces, offering new possibilities for people with motor and communication disabilities.
The patient, identified as Mark, reported that the Technology has given him back some of his lost independence due to illness. “Being able to manage important aspects of my environment and control access to entertainment gives me back the independence I’ve lost,” she said.
Synchron, the company behind the implant, is seeking to expand the possibilities of automation in smart homes by enabling patients with motor and communication disabilities to interact with devices using their thoughts. The company’s CEO, Tom Oxley, said the implant could “address a critical unmet need for millions of people.”
The company is not alone in investing in brain-computer interface technologies. THE Neuralinkfrom the billionaire Elon Muskis also developing brain implants and has already conducted tests on humans. In January of this year, Neuralink implanted a brain device into a man who was paralyzed after a diving accident.
Source: Terra
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