The Brain as Remote Control: The Neuroscience Revolution

New technologies and a better understanding of the human brain brings science fiction into reality. Imagine the potential to control a computer cursor, or access computer programs and control TV’s with your thoughts. This amazing technology is called brain-computer interface (BCI) and could be one of the finest technological breakthroughs in decades. A brain-computer interface transmits signals from the brain to an external device, and allows disabled people to see, hear or feel specific sensory inputs (Cheng, 2007). This article will discuss how BCIs function, its potential and application.

In the human brain, individual neurons transmit signals to one another as fast as 250 mph (ibid.). The signals are carried from one neuron to another by the existence of differences in electric potentials (ibid.). These signals can be traced and interpreted by applicable devices. There are several ways to detect brain signals. The least invasive method is done by an electroencephalograph (EEG) attached to the scalp (Pollack, 2006). However, electric signals going from the brain through the skull are partly blocked and distorted, which makes it difficult to receive a proper output (ibid.).

To avoid this problem, researchers developed electrodes which can be implanted directly into the brain or beneath the skull (Greenfield, 2001). The electrodes can be implanted in specific areas of the brain, which allows for a more precise measurement of the required brain signals (ibid.). However, invasive surgery is required to place the electrodes in the brain, which involves a higher risk of complications (ibid.). Moreover, in the long-term these electrodes can cause damage to the brain and formation of scar tissue, which might ultimately block signals in the brain (ibid.).

What exactly can this technology do for us? Although its application might be useful for pure entertainment, such as controlling computer games with your thoughts, the main purpose focuses on disabled people (Cheng, 2007). For instance, being able to move a cursor on a computer screen by simply using your thoughts, will drastically improve the life quality of quadriplegics. An even bigger challenge is to interpret the brain signals from someone with a paralysed arm, such that he is able to move his arm again. This person has to practice before using the device, for example by visualizing certain movements with his arm (ibid.). After enough trials, this person could close his hand simply by thinking about this movement (ibid.).

However, BCI can also work the other way around. For instance, scientists could detect what signals are produced by the optic nerve, when a person sees the colour blue (Pollack, 2006). With this information, researchers could use a camera that detects the colour blue and send the identical signals directly to the brain (ibid.). This technique was successfully applied to Jens Naumann. He was completely blind, but now his brain can partially process visual information (ibid.). Naumann is even able to drive a car around a parking lot.

How far should we go in the practical usage of this technology? Should we merely focus on the medical application of BCI, or could we go beyond this? Will there be a time when (healthy) people get things done just by thinking about it? In my opinion, the main question should focus on how BCI could improve the average quality of life.

Jorrit Salden

Cheng, Jacqui. "Researchers help users control Second Life avatars via brain activity." ARS Technica, Oct. 15, 2007.

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071015-researchers-help-users-control-second-life-avatars-via-brain-activity.html

Cyberkinetics. "BrainGate Neural Interface System."

http://www.cyberkineticsinc.com/content/medicalproducts/braingate.jsp

Pollack, Peter. "Brain control gives hope to the paralyzed." ARS Technica, July 13, 2006.

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060713-7262.html

Greenfield, Susan A. "Brain Story: Unlocking Our Inner World of Emotions, Memories, Ideas and Desires." DK Adult, 2001.