May 28, 2008

experts react to the latest research on brain-computer interfaces, as published in Nature

The new research, carried out by scientists in the United States, shows that monkeys can use their brain activity transmitted through electrode implants to control a prosthetic arm and feed themselves.

Prof. Paul M. Matthews, Professor of Clinical Neurosciences, Imperial College, London and Head of GSK Clinical Imaging Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, said:

“The challenge of interfacing the billions of nerve cells in the brain that control the full range of limb movements directly with a mechanical prosthesis has seemed impossibly difficult. However, this important paper confirms that the brain controls movement just by planning where to go, rather than by directing individual muscles how to make the limb get there. The study shows that fewer than 100 tiny electrical signals generated in the specialised area known as the “motor cortex” can command even complex arm and hand movements. This moves the day when patients disabled after spinal cord injuries or amputations can use brain-controlled bionic limbs from the realm of science fiction towards science fact.”

Dr. Francisco Sepulveda, Director, Brain-Computer Interfaces Lab at University of Essex, said:

“The work by Andrew Schwartz’s group is significant in that it shows a more realistic test of technology that has been around for a few years already. It shows the potential of implanted neural devices for people with severe movement related disabilities. But, the low overall success rate (61% correct task execution) also shows how far we are from being able to offer a suitable solution to, for example, people with paralysis of the upper limbs.

“The relatively low overall success rate is a clear example of why the UK should reconsider its (negative) attitude towards animal experiments in these extreme cases. I would not want such an unreliable device implanted on myself or anyone else. So, keep testing on animals (in a responsible and controlled manner, of course) before these things are tried on us!”