by The field of neuroprosthetics has grown tremendously over the past few decades, developing technologies that bypass or replace functions of the nervous system. These technologies, ranging from cochlear implants to brain-computer interfaces, aim to restore lost function for people suffering from paralysis, sensory impairments, neurological conditions, and more. Here is an overview of some key areas within this rapidly advancing field.
Cochlear Implants
One of the earliest and most successful Global Neuroprosthetics technologies is the cochlear implant. Developed in the 1970s, cochlear implants use electrical stimulation to bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve in those who have severe-to-profound hearing loss. The implant consists of an external component containing a microphone, speech processor, and transmitter, as well as an internal component containing a receiver and electrode array implanted surgically. Sound is picked up by the microphone, processed into electrical signals, and transmitted to the internal receiver which sends those signals to the array of electrodes placed into the cochlea. This allows those who receive the implants to perceive sound and understand speech. While cochlear implants do not restore perfect hearing, they have enabled hundreds of thousands of deaf individuals worldwide to communicate again.
Retinal Implants
Similar to cochlear implants, retinal implants aim to restore lost vision by interfacing electronics with neural tissue. For those with retinitis pigmentosa or macular degeneration that causes photoreceptor cells in the retina to deteriorate, these implants use a camera to capture images which are then translated into electrical pulses. The pulses are transmitted to remaining retinal cells or optic nerve via an array of electrodes implanted in or near the retina. Initial retinal prosthetic devices provided rudimentary phosphene perception of light, but ongoing research seeks to increase resolution and functionality towards restoring meaningful artificial sight. Promising new designs involve using stem cell technology to replace lost photoreceptors and gene therapy techniques to treat the underlying causes of retinal degeneration.
Exoskeletons
Another type of Global Neuroprosthetics technology are powered exoskeletons, wearable robotic systems that utilize sensors, actuators and computer controls to restore lost mobility. By sensing output from muscles or nerves and applying strategic forces at joints, exoskeletons can potentially enable those with paralysis or weakness to stand, walk, use their hands and arms, or lift heavy objects again. Initial exoskeleton devices developed for military use are now being adapted for rehabilitation and everyday living assistance. For instance, some systems provide support to help paraplegics stand and walk overground while also improving cardiopulmonary and muscular function. Other exoskeletons aid physically demanding tasks in industries such as construction and manufacturing. Advancements include reducing size/weight, increasing strength/speed, incorporating intuitive control interfaces and making systems user-friendly for activities of daily living.
Brain-Computer Interfaces
On the cutting edge is the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that interface directly with the brain. By recording electrical activity from neurons in the brain noninvasively via electroencephalography (EEG) or invasively via electrode arrays implanted on the surface of cortical areas, BCIs seek todecode users’ intentions and covertly issued commands. This allows control over prosthetic devices or computer cursors with thoughts alone. For instance, research efforts have enabled people with paralysis to wirelessly control robotic limbs, wheelchairs or virtual typing simply by thinking about making specific movements. More ambitious goals involve BCIs that can restore hearing, vision, limb function and other sensory feedback. Other applications beyond assistive technologies involve creativity augmentation, enhancing intelligence and memory storage/retrieval through direct brain linkage between individuals or networks. However, major advancements are still needed in improving decoding algorithms, interface safety/longevity and achieving fully non-invasive high-performance BCIs before therapeutic applications can become a reality.
Brain Implants
Closely related to BCIs are deep brain stimulation (DBS) implants used to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders including Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, essential tremor, obsessive-compulsive disorder and severe depression. Unlike most BCIs that interface with cortical areas, DBS systems involve electrodes placed into target deep brain structures like the thalamus or subthalamic nucleus that modulate abnormal neuronal activity. Low frequency electrical stimulation has proven effective at reducing Parkinson’s motor symptoms though the precise mechanisms are unclear. Researchers are also exploring using DBS to treat other conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, obesity, PTSD and addiction. Meanwhile, recent studies have demonstrated the ability to influence brain activity and behavior by electrically or optogenetically stimulating specific neuronal populations, highlighting future prospects for controlling neural circuits with implants.
neuroprosthetics is an innovative field bringing together neuroscience, biomedical engineering and computer technology to replace functions lost to injury or disease. Approaches involve bypassing or interfacing directly with peripheral or central nervous systems. Advances promise not only to restore basic abilities and quality of life for millions worldwide but also push boundaries of human capabilities through BCI-enabled interactions and enhancements. However, significant technical challenges remain which researchers continue addressing through both animal experimentation and carefully designed human clinical trials. With continued steady progress, neuroprosthetic devices may eventually restore nearly any lost sensory, motor or cognitive function through interfaces ranging from the superficial to the most intricate inner workings of the brain.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
