iBrain Technologies

Imagine a device that allows one to communicate by merely thinking! And this device exists! Called the iBrain, this contraption, is currently in the works. The iBrain is part of the new generation of portable neural devices and algorithms intended to monitor and diagnose certain conditions like depression, autism and sleep apnea. This device was invented by a team of neuroscientists at NeuroVigil. The iBrain is an inexpensive alternative to those sleep labs that even require patients to stay overnight. The iBrain has the ability to collect data in real time, while the person is in their own bed, watching television, or doing any activity.  This is accomplished via waves of electrical brain signals that the device picks up. While the patient is performing an activity, changes occur with those with brain disorders that are picked up by the iBrain. The raw waves that pass through the brain are interpreted with an algorithm. The executive neuroscientist, Philip Low, stated: “The idea is to see if Stephen can use his mind to create a consistent and repeatable pattern that a computer can translate into, say, a word or letter or a command for a computer.”—referring to Stephen Hawking who suffers from Lou Gehrigs disease. A command was given to Dr. Hawkings and the algorithm was able to discern his thoughts as signals, which was represented as a series of spikes on a grid. After analyzing the grid, they noticed a change in the signal. Further research will be carried out that repeats this study in large populations that suffer from neurodegenerative diseases (1).

Soon, all the signals that the researchers obtain will be communicated through words. This will allow those patients that normally communicate with a yes or no answer or with a blink of the eye, the ability to send an email or turn off a light or even have a more meaningful conversation. All these things can be possible with further research. With this new technology we will be able to have conversations with those with neurodegenerative diseases, like Stephen Hawking, a famous physicist. Just imagine all the information he still has to share with the rest of the world!

Modern technology has had a positive influence on scientific research. We have been able to achieve great things; the quality of life has also been improved; many lives have been saved.  Technology has also helped to make our lives easier, especially in the medical field where we have the equipment to diagnose certain medical conditions.

(1)   Duncan, David. "A Little Device That’s Trying to Read Your Thoughts." New York TImes. 2 Apr. 2012. Web. 3 Apr. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/03/science/ibrain-a-device-that-can-read-thoughts.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=technology>.