Implant Transmits Brain Signals Directly to Computer
From: New York Times, 10/22/98

Atlanta, October 21 (AP)

An implant that enables direct communication between the brain and a
computer, a la "Star Trek" is allowing a paralyzed, mute strike victim  to
use his brainpower to move a cursor across a screen and convey messages like
hello and goodbye. 

Researchers at Emory University, who planted the devie into the 53 year-old
patient's brain, say they believe the implant is the first device that allows
direct communication between the brain and a computer. 

"Of all things people lose, the ability to communicate is the most
frightening thing - to know what you want to say and not to be able to say
it," said Dr. Warren Selman, a neurosurgeon at University Hospitals of
Cleveland, who is not involved in the research. "This is the first step to
unlocking that."  

The device in the man's brain amplifies his brain signals. Those signals are
then transmitted to a laptop computer through an antenna-like coil placed on
his head. Like a computer mouse, the brain signals can move a cursor across
the computer screen and point at icons with messages like: "See you later",
"Nice talking with you". The man can also use the cursor to tell others that
he is hungry or thirsty. 

"It's like we're making the mouse the patient's brain," said Dr. Roy Bakay,
one of two Emory University doctors who developed the technology. 

Eventually, researchers hope to use the technology to teach patients to write
letters, send e-mail, and turn lights off and on via computer. 

The patient, identified only as J.R., suffered a brain-stem stroke and is
dependent on a ventilator at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center. His
brain functions normally, but its signals do not reach their intended
destination. 

Six months ago, Dr. Bakay and Dr. Phillip Kennedy implanted a tiny glass cone
in the man's brain. A substance that encourages nerves to link up to
electrodes in the cone forming what Dr. Bakay calls a little brain inside the
cone. The electrodes can transmit electrical impulses produced by the brain
to a computer. 

To train the patient's brain, researchers told him to think about grabbing a
glass. The cone is implanted in an area of the brain that can produce signals
designed to cause movement. 

Dr. Selman expressed caution about using the technology on anyone except
patients with long-term paralysis. 

"You'd hate to put something in somebody in an area they're going to
recover," he said.

