Invasive cognitive brain computer interfaces to enhance and restore attention:
proof of concept and underlying cortical mechanisms
The goal of the BRAIN 3.0 project is to:
Enhance the precision of the neural decoding of cognitive functions that are generated by the brain but not directly observable outside of specific types of behaviors.
Provide a better understanding of the attentional function and its interaction with other cognitive functions.
Achieve a closed-loop invasive brain-machine interfaces (BMIs*) to enhance the attentional function.
Achieve a closed-loop non-invasive BMIs to enhance the attentional function.
Provide a better understanding of how closed-loop BMIs affect the brain both at the neuronal and at the network levels.
The overall long-term aim of the project targets applications in normal healthy subjects or subjects with mild attentional deficits via a novel specific class of BMIs termed cognitive BMIs.
* The goal of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) is to establish a direct communication pathway between the brain and external devices, typically computers or prosthetic devices. BMIs aim to interpret neural signals and translate them into meaningful outputs, allowing individuals to interact with technology or control external devices using their thoughts. The key objectives of brain-machine interfaces include:
Restoring Functionality: One of the primary goals is to restore or enhance lost or impaired functions in individuals with neurological disorders or disabilities. BMIs can offer a means of communication or movement for those with conditions like paralysis or limb loss.
Assisting People with Disabilities: BMIs can improve the quality of life for individuals with severe disabilities by enabling them to control assistive devices, such as robotic limbs or wheelchairs, using their brain signals.
Neuroprosthetics: The development of neuroprosthetics is a major focus of BMIs. These are artificial devices that replace or augment the functionality of the nervous system. For example, brain-controlled prosthetic limbs could provide a more natural and intuitive means of movement for amputees.
Enhancing Human Performance: BMIs have the potential to enhance cognitive and physical abilities in healthy individuals. This could include improving memory, attention, or even facilitating direct communication between individuals without the need for external devices.
Research and Understanding: BMIs provide researchers with a tool to better understand the brain's functions and the intricacies of neural processing. By decoding and interpreting neural signals, scientists can gain insights into how the brain works, leading to advancements in neuroscience.
Communication for Locked-In Patients: BMIs offer a way for individuals who are "locked in" due to conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate with the outside world. By translating their brain activity into commands, these individuals can express thoughts and interact with others.
Advancing Brain-Computer Interaction: BMIs contribute to the field of brain-computer interaction, allowing for more direct and seamless communication between humans and computers. This has applications not only in healthcare but also in areas such as gaming and virtual reality.
Exploring Human-Machine Integration: BMIs play a crucial role in the exploration of human-machine integration. As technology continues to advance, the integration of the human brain with artificial intelligence and other advanced systems becomes an area of active research.
While significant progress has been made in the field of brain-machine interfaces, there are still many challenges to overcome, including improving the precision of neural decoding, enhancing the long-term stability of implanted devices, and addressing ethical and privacy concerns associated with accessing and interpreting neural data. The BRAIN 3.0 thus bridges several of these gaps and achieved several of the objectives of BMIs.
