A brain implant that turns your thoughts into text | Tom Oxley
Dec 1, 2023
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Neurotech entrepreneur Tom Oxley discusses the Stentrode, an implantable brain-computer interface that allows individuals with paralysis to communicate by converting their thoughts into text. The podcast explores the potential benefits of this technology for individuals with disabilities and highlights its non-invasive approach. It also delves into the promise of brain-computer interface technology in restoring autonomy and dignity to people with paralysis and the potential of the Stentrode in improving communication abilities for individuals with neurological conditions.
The Stentrode is an implantable brain-computer interface that allows individuals with paralysis to type and send messages using their thoughts and brain signals.
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) utilizing blood vessels as a pathway into the brain have the potential to revolutionize communication by enabling the transmission of emotions directly, offering hope for conditions beyond paralysis.
Deep dives
Brain implant enables communication for people with paralysis
Tom Oxley, a neurotech entrepreneur, discusses a new brain implant technology that can restore communication for people with paralysis. The brain implant, connected to a keyboard through brain signals, allows individuals with conditions like ALS to type and send messages. The technology uses blood vessels as a pathway into the brain, avoiding the need for invasive surgery. By decoding specific brain movements, patients can control digital devices and communicate. The goal is to provide autonomy and independence to those who have lost the ability to communicate.
The potential of brain-computer interfaces
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) hold promise for a range of neurodegenerative diseases and conditions. BCIs allow individuals to communicate and control devices using brain signals. By utilizing blood vessels as a natural pathway into the brain, the need for invasive surgery is eliminated. The implantable BCI device connects to a tiny antenna under the skin, collecting brain data and transmitting it wirelessly to external devices. BCIs offer hope for conditions beyond paralysis, such as epilepsy, depression, and dementia, and may revolutionize communication by enabling the transmission of emotions directly.
Investing in disability research and the future of technology
Investing in disability research, like the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), has far-reaching implications beyond the specific condition being targeted. The advancements made in BCIs, such as the Stent Road technology, have the potential to impact a wider range of neurological disorders and communication challenges. Funding and support for disability research can lead to unexpected breakthroughs that benefit not only individuals with specific conditions, but also society at large. The future of technology holds the promise of enhancing human connection and communication, making investments in fields like disability research valuable and crucial.
What if you could control your digital devices using just the power of thought? That's the incredible promise behind the Stentrode — an implantable brain-computer interface that collects and wirelessly transmits information directly from the brain, without the need for open surgery. Neurotech entrepreneur Tom Oxley describes the intricacies of this breakthrough technology, which is currently enrolling participants in human trials, as well as how it could help restore dignity to those with disabilities — and transform the future of communication. Stay tuned after the talk to hear our host Sherrell talk about the promise and potential of technology when it comes to serving one of humanity's greatest needs: connection.