New Brain-Computer Interface Helps Locked-in People Communicate
From: R&D Magazine - 02/01/2017

A new brain-computer interface may help people communicate that are living in
a complete locked-in state (CLIS), a term used to describe those suffering
from complete paralysis, with no ability for eye movement or blinking.

Researchers, led by professor Niels Birbaumer at the Wyss Center for Bio and
Neuroengineering in Geneva, Switzerland, have developed the computer
interface, which is designed to use near-infrared spectroscopy combined with
electroencephalography to measure blood oxygenation and electrical activity
in the brain.

The technology has already had positive results for those suffering from CLIS.

Other brain-computer interfaces have previously enabled some paralyzed
patients to communicate, but near-infrared spectroscopy has so far been the
only successful approach to restore communication to patients suffering from
completely locked-in syndrome.

Read the entire article at:
http://www.rdmag.com/article/2017/02/new-brain-computer-interface-helps-locked-people-communicate

Links:
Brain-Computer Interface Allows Completely Locked-in People to Communicate
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/668332

Brain-Computer Interface-Based Communication in the Completely Locked-In State
http://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.1002593

Paralyzed patients communicate thoughts via brain-computer interface (with
  video)
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-brain-lockedin-idUSKBN15F2E5

Brain Scans Let 'Locked-In' ALS Patients Communicate
https://www.mdtmag.com/news/2017/02/brain-scans-let-locked-als-patients-communicate

Niels Birbaumer - Brain Computer Interfaces
http://www.gocognitive.net/interviews/niels-birbaumer-brain-computer-interfaces