Where Is the Real Matrix?
From: Salon.com - November 11, 2003
By: Shy Shoham and Sam Hall

The virtual world of connecting brains directly to computers, as seen in "The
Matrix" movie trilogy, is not fantasy to some engineers and scientists, write
Princeton scientist Shy Shoham and analyst Sam Hall. In fact, since the
1950s, researchers have developed real-life human-computer interfaces, or
neuroprostheses, which are medical devices that are designed to connect
directly with the human brain, spinal cord, or nerves. Engineers and
scientists involved in neuroprostheses view the technology as a way to help
people with disabilities see, hear, and live a normal life. Future
brain-computer interfaces may include fully immersive virtual interfaces,
while such technology today may be the most "futuristic" devices currently
under development. Cochlear implants, which involve placing a microphone near
the ear to convert sound to weak electrical currents to activate auditory
nerve endings for the brain, became the first commercially available
neuroprostheses in the United States upon FDA approval in 1984. In addition
to making gains in sensory prostheses - technology used to make up for lost
and diminished senses - researchers are focusing on motor prostheses to help
people regain the use of paralyzed muscles, as well as using the technology
to facilitate brain activity that would negate neurological diseases. Some
observers believe advances in microelectronic technology, such as the ability
to place hundreds of millions of transistors onto a single chip in devices
such as cell phones, will be huge for neuroprosthetics in the years to come.
However, the FDA approved only eight implantable neuroprosthetic devices
during the 1990s. Observers say the current regulatory environment makes it
difficult to raise capital for developing such technologies, and add that the
reimbursement policies of Medicare underpay for the cost of medical devices.  

http://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2003/11/11/real_matrix/index_np.html