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In the movie "The Matrix", the protagonist is connected to the matrix system through a brain-computer interface and comes and goes freely in the virtual world. In the movie Avatar, the human mind can manipulate an avatar on another planet. By building an interface in our brains, we are able to navigate the world of computers; With just one thought, we can change "reality", and these classic scenes from science fiction movies are now becoming possible. In the current era of rapid changes in science and technology, brain-computer technology is undoubtedly a king of science and technology, and it is very likely to promote human civilization to the next stage. In this issue, I will introduce you to some real brain-computer imaging techniques and applications, so let's feel the charm and potential of this technology together.
Types of brain-computer interfaces
Before introducing the application of brain-computer grafting, let's first understand the classification of brain-computer grafting. Depending on whether brain-computer grafting requires invasion of the brain, we can divide it into two broad categories: invasive and non-invasive. Invasive brain-machine articulation** involves the implantation of electrodes or other devices into the brain or nervous system to create a direct connection to the brain. The advantage of this technology is the ability to achieve higher signal quality and resolution, which allows for more precise and complex control. However, the disadvantages of this technique are also obvious, it requires surgery, there are certain risks and *** and the cost is high, and it is not suitable for ordinary people. Non-invasive brain-computer articulation** refers to an indirect connection to the brain that does not need to invade the brain, but records and interprets the brain's electrical signals through electrodes or other sensors on the scalp or other parts. The advantages of this technique are that there is no need for surgery, it is safe and convenient, and it is less costly, making it suitable for ordinary people.
However, the disadvantage of this technique is that the signal quality and resolution are low, which leads to lower control accuracy and complexity. In addition to the invasive difference, brain-computer articulation can also be divided into two types according to the direction of information transmission: readout type and write type. Readout BCT** refers to the reading of information from the brain to enable control of external devices. The main purpose of this technology is to help people who are physically disabled or have lost certain sensory functions to restore or enhance their abilities, such as enabling them to move prostheses, control wheelchairs, type, play games, etc. Writing-type brain-computer interface** refers to the writing of information in the brain to stimulate or change the brain. The application of this technology is mainly to help those whose brains are damaged or lack certain knowledge or skills to restore or enhance their abilities, such as allowing them to feel sight, hearing, touch, etc. through external devices, or to transmit knowledge or skills directly to the brain.
Invasive readout brain-computer interface applications
The application of invasive readout brain-computer articulation** is mainly to help those with physical disabilities to restore or enhance their motor abilities. The most famous example of this is the Braingate project, a joint research project by Brown University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Stanford University to develop a brain-computer interface system that allows paralyzed patients to control external devices through their thoughts. At the heart of the Braingate project is a device known as a neuronal electrode array, which is a chip made up of 100 miniature electrodes that can be implanted into the motor cortex of the brain to capture the electrical signals of the neurons in the brain that control movement. These electrical signals are amplified, filtered, and decoded, and can be converted into commands to control external devices, such as computer cursors, robotic arms, wheelchairs, etc.
The Braingate project has been in clinical trials for many years, and dozens of paralyzed patients have received implants with this brain-computer interface system, and some encouraging results have been achieved. For example, a woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is able to control a robotic arm through her mind through this brain-computer interface system, so that she can pick up a cup, drink water, brush her teeth and other daily actions. Another man with a spinal cord injury was able to control a wheelchair with his mind through this brain-computer interface system, allowing him to move freely both indoors and outdoors. These examples show that invasive readout brain-computer grafting has been feasible and effective, bringing hope and improvement to the lives of paralyzed patients.
Non-invasive readout brain-computer interface applications
The application of non-invasive readout brain-computer articulation** is mainly to help those who are physically fit to enhance or expand their perceptual and behavioral abilities. The most emblematic example of this is Neuralink, a company founded by Elon Musk in 2016 to develop a brain-computer interface system that allows humans and artificial intelligence to communicate seamlessly. Neuralink's goal is to develop a device called Neural Mesh, which is a flexible film made up of thousands of tiny electrodes that can be invasively coated on the surface of the brain through tiny incisions in the scalp. The advantages of such a device are that it does not require surgery, does not cause damage to the brain, and can enable high-density, high-bandwidth, and bi-directional information transmission, allowing for more advanced and diverse functions.
Neuralink's vision is to enable humans to converge with AI through neural webs, thereby enhancing human intelligence and capabilities to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. For example, humans can directly upload knowledge, skills, and memories through neural webs, so as to achieve fast and efficient learning; Humans can achieve telepathy with other people or animals through neural webbing, allowing for deeper communication and understanding; At the moment, Neuralink is still in its early stages and has not yet disclosed any actual products or services, but has already made some progress in animal experiments. For example, they have succeeded in implanting a neural web in the brain of a monkey and allowing it to control a computer game through its thoughts. Musk said they plan to begin clinical trials in humans this year and launch a public-facing product in the coming years.
Invasive write-based brain-computer interface applications
The application of invasive writing brain-computer interface** is mainly to help those with brain damage to restore or enhance their perception. One of the most influential examples is the optoneuroprosthesis, a brain-computer interface system that allows blind people to regain some of their vision. Optoneuroprostheses work by using electrodes or other devices to stimulate the visual cortex of the brain to produce visual sensations. Such a system usually consists of three parts: the camera, the processor, and the stimulator. The camera is responsible for capturing images of the outside world, the processor is responsible for converting the images into electrical signals, and the stimulator is responsible for transmitting electrical signals to the visual cortex of the brain. In this way, the blind person is able to perceive the outside world through the visual cortex of the brain, so that part of the vision can be restored. At present, several products or prototypes of optoneuroprostheses have been clinically tested or commercialized around the world, such as Argos, Euler, Orion, etc. The effects of these products or prototypes vary, but they all allow a blind person to perceive some basic visual information, such as light and darkness, shape, movement, etc. Although this visual information is far from being compared with normal vision, it is already a huge improvement and help for blind people, allowing them to better adapt and participate in social life.
Non-intrusive write-based brain-computer interface applications
The application of non-invasive writing brain-computer articulation** is mainly to help those who lack certain knowledge or skills to enhance or expand their cognitive abilities. One of the most promising examples is knowledge transfer, a brain-computer interface system that allows humans to acquire knowledge or skills directly from external devices. The principle of knowledge transfer is to use electromagnetic waves or other means to stimulate specific areas of the brain, thereby altering the neural connections of the brain and forming new memories or skills. Such a system usually consists of two parts: the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter is responsible for translating knowledge or skills into electromagnetic waves or other signals, and the receiver is responsible for transmitting signals to specific areas of the brain. In this way, humans are able to acquire knowledge or skills through specific areas of the brain, allowing for fast and efficient learning. At present, knowledge transfer is still in the theoretical and experimental stage, and no mature product or service has yet emerged, but there have been some preliminary studies and evidence that this technology is feasible and effective.
For example, a team of researchers at Dartmouth College in the United States succeeded in improving the mathematical abilities of some volunteers by using a technique called transcranial direct current stimulation. This technology is a technique that sends a weak electrical current through electrodes on the scalp to specific areas of the brain that can alter the brain's neural activity and plasticity, which can affect the brain's ability to learn and remember. The researchers found that by attaching electrodes to the volunteers' scalp and sending an electrical current to their left parietal lobe, a brain region associated with math ability, they were able to perform better on some math tests, and that the effect lasted into six months later. These results suggest that transcranial direct current stimulation is a potential knowledge transfer technique that allows humans to improve the level of certain knowledge or skills in a short period of time.
From the above introduction, we can see that brain-computer technology has shown its great potential and value in various fields, bringing a lot of convenience and improvement to human life. However, brain-computer imaging is far from reaching its limit, and there are more possibilities waiting for us to explore and realize. Of course, brain-computer integration is not without risks and challenges, it may also bring some ethical, legal and social problems, therefore, while we enjoy the benefits of brain-computer connection, we should also pay attention to prevent and solve the problems it brings, so as to ensure the health and sustainable development of brain-computer connection. What do you think about this? Welcome to one-click three-in-a-row, that's all for this issue, thank you**, I'm exploring the universe, we'll see you next time.