Scientists use mind power to control computers

Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine have created a technical implant enabling users to control computer functions simply by thinking of certain sounds. Historically, these brain/computer interface implants have been linked to the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. This approach differs as it tries to mimic the process used when humans speak.

“There are many directions we could take this, including development of technology to restore communication for patients who have lost speech due to brain injury or damage to their vocal cords or airway,” said Eric C. Leuthardt MD, assistant professor of neurosurgery, biomedical engineering and neurobiology at Washington University's School of Medicine in St. Louis.

“That makes sense when you’re trying to use these devices to restore lost mobility - the user can potentially engage the implant to move a robotic arm through the same brain areas he or she once used to move an arm disabled by injury. But that has the potential to be inefficient for restoration of a loss of communication.”