Mind-Reading Chip Close to Reality
From: Nikkei Weekly - 10/20/2003 - Vol. 41, No. 2103, P. 15 

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) continues to invest heavily in basic
research, the fruit of which includes a computer chip that can translate
brain signals into machine-readable instructions. NTT chief researcher
Keiichi Torimitsu is growing rat brain cells on a glass substrate constructed
using an advanced semiconductor fabrication process. The resulting
"biological circuits" of cells - grown in 10-micron-deep etched grooves
forming hexagon shapes - will allow NTT to understand how brain signals are
transmitted and processed. A similar NTT chip project aims to create a
"biodevice" that would safely operate within the human body, using a protein
polymer linking metal electrodes. Torimitsu points out NTT's unique position
among Japanese technology companies, many of which have pulled back from
basic research because of financial pressure. NTT remains steadfast,
employing 3,000 researchers to develop things such as plastic chip materials
and quantum computing. Torimitsu says, "Projects like these can be conducted
nowhere else but at NTT." NTT is also working on quantum encryption
technology, and two of the company's encryption systems were recently chosen
by the European Union to secure online government networks. Torimitsu says
Britain's University of Liverpool as well as other research groups both in
Japan and internationally have asked to work with his team.