Science speaks: new brain implant is capable of converting thoughts into words 1

Science speaks: new brain implant is capable of converting thoughts into words

Over the last few years, we have experienced a convergence between artificial intelligences and human biology, combining this powerful tool with brain capacity.

Even though, at first glance, the idea of ​​integrating the human brain with artificial intelligence may seem somewhat futuristic or even dystopian, recent advances show that this combination can be more beneficial and realistic than we imagined.

An example of this progress is current research involving a small brain implant capable of reproducing speech in individuals who have lost this ability as a result of accidents or vascular trauma.

This technology offers a new opportunity for interaction for people who suffer from vocal, muscular problems or atrophy. Check out!

New brain implant can turn thoughts into words

The constant advancement of technology has enabled notable progress in various sectors of society. Currently, the area with the most transformative innovations is healthcare.

This evolution has enabled more accurate diagnoses, more effective treatments and a deeper understanding of how the human body works. But it wasn’t just that.

Science speaks: new brain implant is capable of converting thoughts into words 4

Photo: JLStock/Shutterstock/Reproduction

One of today’s most innovative advances offers new hope for people suffering from the loss of the ability to speak due to health problems.

The new BrainGate, a brain implant still in the experimental phase, could change the situation of many people, as is already happening with North American Pat Bennett, one of the first to test the product.

Bennett has difficulty reproducing speech due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease with which she was diagnosed in 2012. Thanks to BrainGate, the woman can masterfully overcome one of the symptoms of her disease.

Placed in specific regions of your cerebral cortex that are associated with speech, the device uses an AI algorithm known as a brain-computer interface (BCI) to receive and decode speech-related brain signals.

Thus, Bennett now communicates with impressive speed, more than three times faster than previous assisted communication methods.

Today, the 68-year-old patient is enjoying the possibilities of technology and has around 62 words per minute in tests. Considering that an adult speaks 120 to 150 words per minute, Bennet’s milestone demonstrates that the technology is really worth it.

In relation :  “Whatever Volkanovski and Holloway do, he's THE BEST,” says Marlon Vera, with strong, passionate words for Jose Aldo.

Hard work and learning

But BrainGate’s success was not immediate: it was only after 25 intensive training sessions, lasting approximately 4 hours each, that the algorithm was able to identify patterns of brain activity related to phonemes with an error rate of approximately 24%.

Along the same lines, another study used deep learning to evaluate the brain activity of a patient who suffered a stroke. This resulted in the generation of 74 words per minute, with an error rate of 25%.

A notable feature of this study is the synthesized voice that simulates the patient’s original voice. This was possible by feeding the model a video of the patient before the injury. The patient described the experience as moving and emphasized the importance of being able to speak in her own voice.

It is worth mentioning that BrainGate is still in the development phase. tests and which was not made available for daily use. However, it already represents a major advance and opens doors for people who need to live with the impossibility of speaking.

Moyens I/O Staff has motivated you, giving you tips on technology, personal development, lifestyle and strategies that will help you.