Implant Transmits Brain Signals Directly to Computer From: New York Times, 10/22/98 Atlanta, October 21 (AP) An implant that enables direct communication between the brain and a computer, a la "Star Trek" is allowing a paralyzed, mute strike victim to use his brainpower to move a cursor across a screen and convey messages like hello and goodbye. Researchers at Emory University, who planted the devie into the 53 year-old patient's brain, say they believe the implant is the first device that allows direct communication between the brain and a computer. "Of all things people lose, the ability to communicate is the most frightening thing - to know what you want to say and not to be able to say it," said Dr. Warren Selman, a neurosurgeon at University Hospitals of Cleveland, who is not involved in the research. "This is the first step to unlocking that." The device in the man's brain amplifies his brain signals. Those signals are then transmitted to a laptop computer through an antenna-like coil placed on his head. Like a computer mouse, the brain signals can move a cursor across the computer screen and point at icons with messages like: "See you later", "Nice talking with you". The man can also use the cursor to tell others that he is hungry or thirsty. "It's like we're making the mouse the patient's brain," said Dr. Roy Bakay, one of two Emory University doctors who developed the technology. Eventually, researchers hope to use the technology to teach patients to write letters, send e-mail, and turn lights off and on via computer. The patient, identified only as J.R., suffered a brain-stem stroke and is dependent on a ventilator at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center. His brain functions normally, but its signals do not reach their intended destination. Six months ago, Dr. Bakay and Dr. Phillip Kennedy implanted a tiny glass cone in the man's brain. A substance that encourages nerves to link up to electrodes in the cone forming what Dr. Bakay calls a little brain inside the cone. The electrodes can transmit electrical impulses produced by the brain to a computer. To train the patient's brain, researchers told him to think about grabbing a glass. The cone is implanted in an area of the brain that can produce signals designed to cause movement. Dr. Selman expressed caution about using the technology on anyone except patients with long-term paralysis. "You'd hate to put something in somebody in an area they're going to recover," he said.