Nature reports that a team from Boston University is working on using implants to produce sounds from merely detecting brain signals. Currently, the subject, a paralysed patient, can produce three vowel sounds, accurately and as fast as normal speech (no time-lag). The team hopes to have the patient produce words directly in five years time.While we've seen brain signals controlling limbs, this is a first for speech. Needless to say, this is an implant that has to be located in the speech region of the brain, IN the brain, but there are hopes for other non-invasive methods.
Another interesting fact to note is that the electrode encourages neurons to grow into and around the electrode, which implies that with frequent use, the system may become more efficient.
This is one of those times I regret not studying biology, now there's no way I'll be able to do any bio-mechanical stuff. Then again, I wouldn't be good enough to do anything that's neuroscience-related.
