Updated: Jun 28
Hospitals continually produce and collect data, much of which is now digitized.
This allows them to apply technologies like data analytics and artificial intelligence to improve their knowledge.
Data that was previously stored as a paper record with a patient’s medical history, laboratory results, and immunization information is now stored as digital records.
Digital CT and MR images, as well as software, including the PACS medical imaging storage system, replace analog radiology tools. Sensors connected in hospital rooms and operating rooms can record multiple continuous streams of data for retrospective and real-time analysis.
AI-assisted robotics can help surgeons in the operating room.
In addition, video analysis can detect cases where supplies of hand sanitizer are scarce or where a patient needs attention, such as the risk of falling in a hospital or at home.
Updated: Jun 28
A brain-computer interface (BCI), is sometimes called a brain-machine interface (BMI) or smart brain.
A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a device that lets the human brain communicate with and control external software or hardware, like a computer or robotic limb.
Brain-computer interfaces are often directed at researching, mapping, assisting, augmenting, or repairing human cognitive or sensory-motor functions.
The main goal of BCI is to replace or restore useful function to people disabled by neuromuscular disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury.
BCIs range from non-invasive, and partially invasive to invasive , based on how close electrodes get to brain tissue.
These brain chips go over the scalp in a wearable device, get surgically placed under the scalp, or even get implanted within brain tissue.
The idea is that, the closer the chip is to the brain’s neural network, the more clear a signal can be interpreted.
Invasive BCI provides a more accurate reading; however, its downside includes side effects from the surgery.
After the surgery, scar tissues may form, weakening brain signals. In addition, the body may not accept the implanted electrodes.
Brain-computer interfaces may also prove useful for rehabilitation after stroke and for other disorders.
Brain-computer interfaces do not read minds but enable users to act on the world using brain signals rather than muscles.
Many BCIs remain in the experimental phase, and their main application involves moving a cursor by thought.
The most famous, BMI is Neuralink headed by Elon Musk, which is developing a coin-sized surgical implant. Its primary focus is to treat paralysis. In addition, the startup is building an eight-foot robot to place the neural threads.
Updated: Jun 28
Brain-computer interface (BCI) enables a person to control an external device using brain signals.
Research on brain-machine interface began in the 1970s by Jacques Vidal, Vidal's 1973 paper marks the first appearance of the expression brain-computer interface in scientific literature.
3 Applications of brain-computer interface
Robotic limbs and wheelchairs
Wireless headsets
Spellers
1. Robotic limbs and Wheelchairs
By supplying a real-time neural feedback loop that rewires the brain, BCIs are capable of restoring movement, mobility, and autonomy for paralyzed and disabled patients, heightening their quality of life.
In more chronic cases, robotic devices and limbs are integrated.
Helps patients regain tactile function, movement of their limbs and prosthetics, as well as the ability to control digital devices solely from thought.
Neuralace, Its latest project, is a flexible, hexagonal mesh patch designed to conform to the fissures of the brain.
Precision Neuroscience
Precision Neuroscience is approaching brain-computer interface systems with a surgically implanted brain chip that’s minimally invasive and fully reversible, to treat neurological diseases.
Neuralink builds an implantable, brain-computer interface capable of translating thought into action. Launched in 2016, the private venture claims its neural device allows people with paraplegia to regain movement and restore vision to those born blinds.
2. Wireless Headsets
Headsets are a way to deliver a non-invasive approach to brain-computer interfaces. Some boost productivity and enhance focus, as seen with:
Neurable's Enten boosts productivity and enhances focus.
IpsiHand system by Neurolutions: restores motor functions to an individual’s upper extremities following a stroke.
3. Spellers
Non-verbal individuals, who may be stuck in a “locked-in” state following a stroke or severe injury, can use eye movement for computer-augmented communication.
A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) provides a non-muscular communication method via brain signals.
All those BCI examples are still in the research phases or started human clinical trials.