Brain-computer interface, developed at Brown, begins new clin...( PROVIDENCE R.I. [Brown University] ...)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] BrainGate, an investigational technology being developed to detect brain signals and to allow people with paralysis to use those signals to control assistive devices, is about to begin a second, larger clinical trial. The system is based on neuroscience, engineering and computer science research at Brown University.

The BrainGate2 pilot clinical trial is taking place at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of researchers from MGH and Brown University. The study has been approved by the MGH Institutional Review Board to begin recruiting participants. The trial extends prior safety and feasibility research of the BrainGate Neural Interface System, which consists of an implanted baby aspirin-size brain sensor that reads brain signals and computer technology that interprets these signals. The BrainGate Neural System may allow people with paralysis to control assistive devices.

The new clinical trial is part of a larger BrainGate research effort, the ultimate goal of which is to help patients with spinal cord injury, stroke, muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or limb loss turn their thoughts into actions, restoring independence, mobility, and communication. The work to date with BrainGate trial participants has explored their ability to control robotic limbs, operate computer software and drive a wheelchair. New research will help advance the pilot system. (See also A BrainGate Timeline.)

BrainGate is based on research and technology developed in the laboratory of John Donoghue, the Henry Merritt Wriston Professor of Neuroscience at Brown and director of the Brown Institute for Brain Science. Arto Nurmikko, professor of engineering, and Michael Black, professor of computer science, are also key research partners on this team. More than a dozen Brown undergraduate and graduate students have helped advance the research and technol
'/>"/>