New Neural Implant

Researchers from the University of Florida have created a new type of brain-computer interface. Progress in neurotechnology has made great strides towards better brain-computer interfaces. In the past, most of these interfaces were basically a one way communication between the brain and a computer. Brain implants would read a subjects brain waves and translate those signals into moving a device such as a robotic limb or a cursor on a computer monitor. This new neurotechnology device has a more sophisticated algorithm that can evolve as the brain learns. Most current devices can interpret brain signals, but they cannot adapt to certain changes very well.

"Fitted with tiny electrodes in their brains to capture signals for the computer to unravel, three rats were taught to move a robotic arm toward a target with just their thoughts. Each time they succeeded, the rats were rewarded with a drop of water.

The computer's goal, on the other hand, was to earn as many points as possible, Sanchez said. The closer a rat moved the arm to the target, the more points the computer received, giving it incentive to determine which brain signals lead to the most rewards, making the process more efficient for the rat. The researchers conducted several tests with the rats, requiring them to hit targets that were farther and farther away. Despite this increasing difficulty, the rats completed the tasks more efficiently over time and did so at a significantly higher rate than if they had just aimed correctly by chance, Sanchez said."

This is certainly an interesting experiment that they carried out. I have already previously mentioned the new deep brain stimulation implant and the robotic brain implant. So all of these show that there is an increasing trend towards more refined neural prothesis.

(Story via Next Big Future)