Brain Controlled Computing a Reality 299
pchernyakov writes "Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems told attendees at the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation annual conference that a 25-year-old quadriplegic with wires run from 100 tiny sensors implanted in his brain and out to a computer can use his thoughts to control a computer well enough to operate a TV, open e-mail and play Pong with 70% accuracy."
Comment removed (Score:4, Informative)
Re:yikes! (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Original thought keyboard? (Score:3, Informative)
Re:RTFA PLEASE... (Score:5, Informative)
In fact if you had actually paid attention and thought about the article after reading it, it would be rather obvious that the quote
There are 100,000 neurons in a square millimeter of cortex. There are very precise codes in the neurons. The details matter."
Is referring to the details of neural patterns being picked up, not individual neurons. Just as the quote from the article implies, the devil is in the details.
Re:How about.... (Score:1, Informative)
Even in the bloody summary it said he can only play Pong with 70% accuracy - that should be enough information to allow you to deduce that the control isn't exactly tip-top.
Perhaps I'm expecting too much.
Re:What does Captain Pike think? (Score:3, Informative)
Re:The Matrix (Score:3, Informative)
This has already been done - 5 yrs ago (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Birth of Cybornetics... (Score:3, Informative)
Still in the end, it appears to be a losing battle.
In the meantime, if you want to encourage neural growth, keep stretching that brain. Learn new stuff, do new things. Don't stop. Drink alcohol, but in strict moderation. Oh, and don't smoke, and stay aerobically fit.
Re:What does Captain Pike think? (Score:4, Informative)
Next are immune reactions to foreign objects in the body. Coatings over the electrodes can help, but are not a guarantee.
Finally, these electrode arrays are pretty large. Technology can improve this, but imagine invasive brain surgery every time you need to upgrade, or being stuck with the 1st generation mind-link ipod for life.
I'm waiting for nanomachines to solve many of these problems. When (and if) I make it to grad school perhaps they'll have it set for me... or maybe I'll volunteer as I'm never going to fly a jet.