The new device helps people write texts by thought

US scientists have successfully developed devices that allow paralyzed people to use their thoughts to perform some actions that had never before been possible.

The research results were carried out by scientists from Brown University, Providence VA Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Stanford University (USA) and published in the scientific journal Plos One.

Accordingly, three volunteers were paralyzed in the trial. A chip called BrainGate , about the size of a aspirin equipped with 100 electrodes is implanted in their motor cortex.

This chip sends a signal to a computer, where it detects and performs specific tasks. This computer will "automatically" edit the text by command from the user's mind. Each command is sent to the tablet via a Bluetooth connection, meaning the "thought" of the chip user acts like a wireless mouse.

When attached to the head and connected to a tablet, people with limb paralysis can use their thoughts to compose and send text messages - (Photo: BrainGate Collaboration).

When attached to the head and connected to a tablet, people with limb paralysis can use their thoughts to draft, send text messages basically, even play a single piano music. simple.

In addition, they can use email applications, chat and share popular videos, check the weather, watch videos on YouTube and shop online.

In particular, one of the three volunteers can play Beethoven's famous "9th symphony" on a digital piano application.

"One of the volunteers told us at the beginning of the trial that she really wanted to play music again. And it was great that she did it , " said Dr. Paul Nuyujukian, the lead author of study said.

With the use of BrainGate chips, participants can perform up to 22 "commands" every minute. In using text applications, such as Google Hangouts and basic text messages, they can enter up to 30 characters per minute.

Earlier, BrainGate chip proved the success of this technology when helping a woman who was paralyzed and drinking coffee with her thoughts.

Researchers believe BrainGate is important for paralyzed patients and dumb people. It not only helps patients increase their ability to interact with family and friends, but also opens new avenues for self-development, living for their society.