The big story

Brain implants could be the next computer mouse
 

October 2021

Dennis DeGray is paralyzed from the neck down, but a virtuoso at using his brain to control a computer mouse. For the last five years, he has participated in a series of clinical trials in which surgeons have inserted tiny silicon probes into the brains of more than 20 paralyzed people. 

Using these brain-computer interfaces, scientists have enabled those with the implants to grasp objects with robot arms and steer planes around in flight simulators.

While such technology is therapeutic and restorative for people such as DeGray, entrepreneurs including Elon Musk are pouring investment into brain implant projects that are for elective enhancement, creating an ethical maze for medical researchers. Read the full story.

—Antonio Regalado

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