A study, published at the beginning of June in the journal Nature, once again demonstrates the crazy capacities of brain-machine implants. Scientists from the University of California have managed to develop an implant, capable of deciphering a person’s thoughts. Reached by ALS (amyotrophic side sclerosis), the patient managed to “speak” with his family and scientists.
In the article, Sergey Stavisky, principal author of this study, explains that his brain-computer interface was capable of “Translate neural activity instantly. »» It is this management of information in real time that makes the scientist so proud.
A case, far from unique
Because as crazy as it may seem, this study is not the first to give voice to a silent man. Several cases around the world have already been documented, including one as early as 2021. Initially scientists managed to transform neural activity to make a text, then they oralized it.
Many companies in the “Medtech” (new medical technologies) are betting on brain implants to restore senses and capacities to people who have lost them. The best known in the eyes of the general public, it is without any possible contestation neuralink.
Today this instant vocal synthesis allows users “to interrupt a conversation” and to be extremely reactive during a discussion. A real change that further reduces the isolation of these people.
A question of microns
To achieve such a result, Scientists needed three things. The first was a silent patient, but whose brain capacities were still intact. He can intellectually speak, but his body no longer allows him.
Secondly, scientists had to develop a brain-computer interface capable of understanding electrical signals from the patient’s cortex. It was necessary to reduce the risk of false positives and succeed in correctly translating these signals.
The last step, by far the most complex, was to go and collect this data. For this, there are no “remote” solutions, surgery is therefore the only possible way. Scientists have therefore opened their patient’s brain to set up 4 electrodes. They were to be placed in the area responsible for language. The slightest positioning error, even a few hundredths of a millimeter, could have irreversible consequences.
Tone
Once these three stages have passed, scientists must now face a final challenge. They had to understand when and how their patient tries to speak. With their interface they did not just want to give the floor to a person, but Allow him to express himself, fully.
The interface was therefore modified to take into account two essential characteristics of our language: speech flow, as well as the tone of the voice. As soon as the patient wakes up after his operation, these two systems worked perfectly. He managed to speak, but also sing, shout and keep a specific rhythm. A real revolution in his life, which could lead to other similar cases in the future.
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