BRAIN-GATE - SOMETHING THAT COULD HELP THE UNABLE

For people who are paralyzed, a brain-computer interface is sometimes the only feasible way to communicate. The idea is that sensors monitor brain waves and the nerve signals that control facial expressions. Predefined signals can then be used to control the computer. 

For example, the pattern of nerve signals associated with a left smirk might cause the cursor to move to the left, while a right smirk might cause it to move right; the brain waves associated with concentration might be associated with a double click, and so on. In this way, an otherwise paralyzed user can control a computer.

But there are significant problems with this kind of approach. The first is that these systems are highly susceptible to noise, so they often make mistakes. The second is that they are awkward and clunky to use, so communication is painfully slow. Typing speeds can be as low as about one character per minute. A way of significantly speeding up brain-control interfaces would be hugely useful.