Genetic abnormalities, neurodegenerative conditions, and trauma can all impact speech, making it difficult or impossible for those affected to communicate verbally. And while resources exist to bridge this communication gap — brain-to-text technology, for example — the communication process is often slow and frustrating for everyone involved. But now, a research group at the University of California San Francisco’s Chang Lab has made major progress toward a new, more efficient brain-to-text system using innovative insights into neuroprosthetics and brain waves.
Exploring Neuroprosthetics and Brain Waves
Neuroprosthetics are devices that can enhance the input or output of the human neural system. For example, a cochlear implant is a neuroprosthetic designed to directly stimulate the auditory nerve in a person with hearing loss, mimicking the function of the inner ear.
While these devices have advanced in recent decades, certain types of neuroprosthetics still have far to go. But now, as mentioned above, one team of researchers has paved the way for major advancements in neuroprosthetic implants designed to optimize type-by-brain technology for individuals with speech impairments.
The Current State of Type-by-Brain Technology
Medical professionals are already using implants to initiate the type-by-brain function in patients with motor issues that contribute to speech loss, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the implants are typically placed in the brain’s motor cortex, which controls movement, thereby allowing the user to control a cursor for typing. The latest research from the Chang Lab team takes a different approach: engaging the vocal tract for a more natural brain-to-text connection. In other words, the implant allows users to think of a word or sound and would, ideally, translate that directly into text instead of requiring a laborious typing process, one letter at a time.
Using Brain Waves to Broadcast Words
In the team’s pilot study, they started by draping a “thin, flexible electrode array” over the surface of the volunteer’s brain. The electrodes then recorded the brain’s neural signals and sent them to a speech decoder. Finally, the decoder translated the signals into the actual words the volunteer intended to say — marking the first time a paralyzed person without speech capabilities had used neurotechnology to broadcast whole words from the brain.
The team worked with the volunteer on two distinct approaches to generating speech. First, the volunteer was asked to select from a list of 50 everyday words to form his sentences. Then, the volunteer was asked to simply imagine saying one of the words, even going so far as to attempt to speak the words aloud. The team used the brain signals from the latter approach to train the implant’s decoding algorithm, helping the volunteer to generate full sentences.
Finally, the team matched the volunteer’s neural patterns to various movements of the vocal tract. As a result, the team identified a “map” of neural patterns that control different parts of the vocal tract, allowing for fluent speech. Moving forward, the team hopes to create a system appropriate for wider use, potentially bringing fluent speech to countless individuals with frustrating barriers.
_____
While the team still has significant work to do to better tap into the human speech system, one thing is certain: Clinical research endeavors like this one have the potential to change lives.
QPS is a GLP/GCP-compliant CRO delivering the highest grade of discovery, preclinical, and clinical drug development services. Since 1995, it has rapidly expanded from a bioanalysis shop to a full-service CRO with 1,100+ employees in the US, Europe, India, and Asia. Today, QPS offers expanded pharmaceutical contract R&D services with special expertise in neuropharmacology, DMPK, toxicology, bioanalysis, translational medicine, and all phases of clinical development. QPS has CLIA-certified and GLP-compliant laboratories ready to fast-track gene therapy, RT-qPCR/QPCR, serological assays, and vaccine development programs. An award-winning leader focused on bioanalysis and clinical trials, QPS is known for proven quality standards, technical expertise, a flexible approach to research, client satisfaction, and turnkey laboratories and facilities. For more information, visit www.qps.com or email info@qps.com.
