Although brain-computer interface technology already exists, it is set to become even more widely used in the future. This amazing technology has so many applications and the potential to improve the lives of millions of people. One area where BCI technology is particularly useful is in that of people with paralysis or other similar conditions. For example, the famous scientist Stephen Hawking used a computer interface to generate speech. An infrared switch on his glasses responded to movement in his cheek in order to generate speech. In the future, with respect to BCI technology, we can expect even more sophisticated systems such as brain-controlled prosthetic limbs and thought-powered smartphones. B) "Sand" in the brain Our brain communicating digitally with the world around us may seem like science fiction, but soon it will become a reality. Scientists at Brown University in Rhode Island in the USA have been developing ‘neural dust’ sensors that would allow us to do just that. So far, they've managed to get one of these tiny devices to detect which neurons are firing, and are now working on making it stimulate neurons in response to radio signals. The creators of this technology hope that in the future, this amazing implant will be capable of firing nerve impulses in motor areas of the brain and will allow paralysed people to walk again.
C) Mini-me Brains Imagine if we could grow a brain in a glass dish in the lab. Well, we don't need to imagine this anymore, because scientists have managed to grow a tiny 3D brain using stem cells. This is an amazing breakthrough because it allows us to learn so much more about brain disorders and how the brain works without harming any people. For example, we can grow a mini-brain with a disorder such as schizophrenia or Alzheimer's. Scientists at Harvard in the USA have been experimenting with giving these brains a blood supply which gives them the potential to grow much bigger. These larger brains even have the potential to receive an input, allowing scientists to further investigate the sensory and association areas of the brain.
D)Typing with your thoughts Today’s speech recognition technology is constantly improving in respect to its speed and functionality. However, this is not really appropriate for use in office settings or in public. The ‘silent speech’ Project is currently working to harness the signals from your brain and turn them into words- allowing you to type using your thoughts. The experts working on the project predict that this amazing technology could allow us to type up to 100 words a minute- which is much faster than any current BCI speech generation technology.
Task. Read the text and find the answers from the text.
Is a very small device -
Will be able to work at a high speed - ...
Allows research without experimenting on humans -
Has already been in use for a number of years - ...
Will solve a problem users experience with a current type of technology - ...
Can aid scientists researching brain function - ...
Could help people who cannot use their limbs - ...
It known for helping someone speak -