Revolutionizing communication: Brain implants show promise in restoring speech for patients with neural disorders

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

brain implants have shown remarkable progress in deciphering and translating neural signals linked to language production, raising the possibility of regaining fluid communication for those previously silenced by neural disorders.

Stanford University's Implant Advancements:

A pioneering study led by Stanford University's Department of Neuroscience achieved significant milestones in restoring speech for patients with neural disorders. Pat Bennett, a former human resources senior executive diagnosed with ALS, underwent a revolutionary brain implant procedure. Four small squares, each containing 64 micro-electrodes made of silicone, were implanted into her cerebral cortex, capturing electrical signals related to language production. These signals were processed by an algorithm, enabling the system to «learn» and interpret the signals' meanings, ultimately associating them with phonemes—distinct sound units in language.

Over a span of four months, the implant system showed remarkable progress. Pat Bennett, using her brain-computer interface (BCI) machine, was able to communicate via a screen at a rate of over 60 words per minute, a notable advancement from previous machine-assisted communication. The error rate for a 50-word vocabulary also decreased to below 10 percent, enhancing the system's accuracy.

University of California San Francisco's Strides:

Another significant study led by the University of California San Francisco, chaired by Edward Chang, focused on a device equipped with 253 electrodes placed on cortical material. This system, similar in approach to Stanford's study, successfully achieved a median speech rate of 78 words per minute. The participant, a paraplegic individual who had experienced limited