Researchers at BrainGate successfully connected a human brain to a Windows 10 computer. This was done by embedding electrodes in the jugular vein and pushing them to the brain’s motor cortex. From there, the electrodes could transmit brain signals to the computer. 

First proposed in 2016, this approach has been successfully tested on people with paralysis who were able to control a computer’s mouse with their thoughts. John Simeral, an assistant professor of engineering at Brown University, remarked on this new innovation, saying that, “people no longer need to be physically tethered to our equipment, which opens up new possibilities in terms of how the system can be used.” Leigh Hochberg, leader of the BrainGate clinical trial explained, “With this system, we’re able to look at brain activity, at home, over long periods in a way that was nearly impossible before. This will help us to design decoding algorithms that provide for the seamless, intuitive, reliable restoration of communication and mobility for people with paralysis.”

This incredible innovation is one of many advances in neural interface technology. With all of the research being done on these new technologies and the field of neural interface technology rapidly growing, many are excited to see what breakthroughs will happen next.