The project of Australian scientists from the University of Melbourne to implant implants in the brain has reached the stage clinical trials in humans and has shown impressive results. People with impaired functions of the locomotor system were able to work on a computer up to mentally typing text at a speed of up to 20 characters per minute. The development promises to be approved for widespread use in five years. But that’s not all.
Stentrode implant. Image Source: Paul Burston / University of Melbourne
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The “Stentrode” project of Australian scientists is funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of the US Department of Defense DARPA. The purpose of the development is to control exoskeletons by mental efforts alone. Also, scientists are solving the problem of a non-invasive method of installing implants, or, more simply, without surgical opening of the patient’s cranium. Note, the project Neuralink Elon Musk practices a different approach and involves opening the cranium, albeit quite sparingly.
Demonstration of the implant operation. Image Source: Paul Burston / University of Melbourne
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The Australian Stentrode Implant is an upgraded coronary probestent to cleanse the blood vessels. In 2016 stentrode was tested on the sheep. Over the past year, stentodes-implants have been installed in two patients in Australia and a third implantation is being prepared. The insertion is made through an incision in the artery in the patient’s neck. The probe has the size of a regular match and is inserted into the cerebral cortex through the artery, which is very simple to implement and easily carried by the patient.
The data from the implant and the impulses transmitted to it to stimulate the area of the cerebral cortex associated with muscle activity are transmitted through a transducer attached to the chest. The sensor itself is connected to the computer. The patient mentally controls the limbs, and the system translates this into commands understandable to the programs. It’s like learning to ride a bike, the researchers say – the skill stays with you forever.
Experiments have shown that a patient with an implanted probe can control a computer and programs: create search queries, enlarge images, control the cursor and other operations. And all this is just the power of thought. According to the developers, the result exceeded expectations.
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