Technology in the Brain

What are neural interfaces and how will they change the future?

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Brain+Computer+Interface+%2F+g-tech+medical+engineering+by+Ars+Electronica+is+marked+with+CC+BY-NC-ND+2.0.

Source: Lois Lammerhuber

“Brain Computer Interface / g-tech medical engineering” by Ars Electronica is marked with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

By: Zakaria Najmeddine, Journalist

Recently, researchers have been trying to find a way that can help those with sensory and motor disabilities, such as paralyzed people. Researchers were able to come down to a decision and have developed a neural interface. A neural interface is a technology that links with the nervous system. It is used to stimulate the brain and record movements.

A neural interface is used to make a connection between a brain and a computer. This connection can allow movements to be recorded or stimulated. The recordings can then be taken and analyzed by researchers to allow them to learn more about that brain. Current applications of this technology include brain implants, electrical stimulators, and implants in the ear to assist hearing loss.

A neural interface is not the only technology that allows the brain to connect to a computer. Such technologies are brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), neural prostheses, and brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). Each of these is quite similar but can be used differently depending on the situation. For instance, BCIs are integrated into the brain to directly talk to computers. This can allow those with disabilities to speak with others. BCIs are organized into two groups, non-invasive and invasive. Non-invasive BCIs are put on the head or near the head, while invasive BCIs require surgery to implant them in the brain.

All of these technologies have recently been discovered, and there is yet to be more to be invented. These technologies will be able to change the lives of many people who are suffering from diseases or disabilities.

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