CTRL-Labs Brain-Controlling Technology Could Disrupt Medical Technology

Ever since the dawn of computers, we ’ve depended on certain hardware to take our ideas from our brains to the screen. However, CTRL-Labs, a New York City-based neuro-tech company, is merging neuroscience and computing practices to create technology that directly links brain activity to computer output, cutting out the keyboard, mous e, buttons, and any other tool required in operating our tech devices. CTRL-Labs co-founder, Thomas Reardon, and Adam Berenzweig, Vandita Sharma, among the other staff of scientists, are using electromyography (EMG) to detect the signals that move through the spinal column, whichWired reporter Steven Levycalls “the nervous system’s low-hanging fruit.” The scientists are working to get signals from individual neurons and determine the precise connection between the electrode activity and the body’s muscles so they can create a specific protocol that controls computer devices. “In fact, in its first experiments CTRL-Labs used standard medical tools to get its EMG signals, before it began building custom hardware,” writes Levy. “The innovation lies in picking up EMG more precisely—including getting signals from individual neurons—than the previously existing tech nology, and, even more important, figuring out the relationship between the electrode activity and the muscles so that CTRL-Labs can translate EMG into instructions that can control computer devices.” CTRL-Labs is trying to reverse the basic principles of technology ...

Source: radRounds - November 23, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Julie Morse Source Type: blogs