PGibson
25 Apr 09
12:21pm
The first twitters of a new era have been deemed successful. Adam Wilson, a biomedical engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison confirmed that he and his supervisor Justin Williams were able to send a message on Twitter using thought generated electrical impulses. The process was facilitated using a cap fitted with electrodes to monitor brain activity which interacted with the computer. Wilson concentrated on the letters that flashed on his screen to spell words and then concentrated to send the message. Williams has been working on brain-computer interface technology for years, but the complex projects currently underway are years from completion. The format of Twittering could make such interactive technology available much earlier than other processes such as email.
The importance of such a brain-computer interface is the potential communication capability it makes available to people that suffer from locked-in syndrome, those that suffer from physical paralysis but maintain complete brain function.
The empowerment that such physically hindered individuals could have with such interactive technology is incredible. It would open up an entire new world to them by allowing them to interact socially with others (if they don't already have an avenue available to them). Although Wilson and Williams couldn't comment on when the new technology would be available, it is certainly a sign of what will be available in the near future, and evidence of even greater achievements to come. The ability to communicate is crucial to people's well being, and the ability to have some type of social community to interact in is also important. While some research suggests the negative aspects of social interaction taking place electronically, this is surely another example of the potential benefits of such electronic communication.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/22/twitter.locked.in/index.html#cnnSTCText
2 comments:
It is especially positive news that communication is no longer a question of mobility. Using the internet and sites like twitter is a great idea. It opens up possibilities for using other internet applications in similar and more broadly applicable ways.
I agree that communication needs to be a part of mobility. Internet is one of the biggest forms of communication these days too and it is easy to use for the most part. Not only is it easy, but it can go to other countries before you even blink you can talk to someone around the world.
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