The medical sector has been using technology to better healthcare systems and procedures. So far, AI has had a lot of applications in the field as well. Just recently, artificial intelligence allowed a man to feel and move again through a brain implant.
AI-Powered Brain Implant
A man who has been quadriplegic since he suffered a diving accident back in 2020 has regained movement to some of his body parts, as well as felt sensation after an AI-powered brain implant re-established connections between his brain, body, and spinal cord.
The implant, which has five microchips that convert thoughts into actions, was developed by scientists at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. The patient, also called Keith Thomas, underwent complex brain surgery in order to have the device implanted.
In the entire 15-hour procedure back on March 9th, Keith was fully awake so he would be able to tell the doctors whether he was feeling any sensations when the implant was placed in certain regions, as reported by Interesting Engineering.
One of the surgeons who performed the surgery, Dr. Ashest Mehta said that they were able to determine where to place the implant because of Keith's images and his input during the surgery while he was being questioned about particular stimuli.
Two chips were inserted in the area that controlled movement along with three other regions of the brain that was responsible for touch and feeling in Keith's fingers. The surgery was a success and Keith could feel when someone is holding his hand again.
To some extent, he can also move his arms, all through the power of his thoughts. This was a positive change and Keith stated that it was overwhelming. He also recalled the time when he didn't know if he was going to live or if he even wanted to.
Chad Bouton, a researcher at the Feinstein Institutes explained that when the participant thinks about moving his arm, they "supercharge" his spinal cord and stimulate his brain and muscles to "help rebuild connections, provide sensory feedback, and promote recovery."
Read also: Neuralink Microchip Implant Can Put Users in Full Virtual Reality, Says Elon Musk: How True Is It?
Even Neuralink Hasn't Done It
Neuralink is one of Elon Musk's many companies which aims to create a brain-computer interface device that can be implanted in the human brain. Just this May, the company received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for human trials.
The company's mission is to "create a generalized brain interface to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs today and unlock human potential tomorrow." Other than the news of its approval for human trials, there are no other updates on the progress front.
With the device being able to be tested on humans, we could expect the devices to be released soon enough. There's also the fact that Neuralink plans on developing a chip that lets people control computers with their thoughts first.
Its plans to allow people to regain physical abilities through the brain chip will come later after further development. Either way, there's no problem with more people trying to develop the technology, especially if it lets disabled people have a better quality of life quicker.
