| Introducing Gerwin Schalk – Volition, Not Science Fiction |
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bridges vol. 15, September 2007 / News from the Network: Austrian Researchers Abroad by Juliet M. Beverly mp3 download  Some people believe they are telekinetic - having the power to move objects with thought. This conclusion is usually reached after the excitement of watching too many "X-Files" episodes or similar sci-fi series. But sooner or later, those little sci-fi dreams of humans burst when they encounter reality - and the abilities of normal humans. However, this kind of science fiction gets closer to fact with the Brain-Computer Interface technology of Dr. Gerwin Schalk, a research scientist at the Wadsworth Center in Albany, New York. The Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a technological innovation that allows direct communication from the brain to a device. It works through the electrical impulses that underlie the power of thought and concentration. Once a person is connected to the device - via wearing a hat similar to a swimming cap spiked with electrodes - the electrodes pick up the signals generated during brain activity. The BCI is able to read the signals, and to translate them into commands in order to perform an external activity at a computer, for example, typing a word or moving a cursor. But using the BCI isn't as simple as just putting on your thinking cap. It can take weeks or even months to train the brain to give off the right signals for commands. BCI development is not a trivial pursuit. Schalk's research provides the communication platform for people who have lost the physical ability to communicate on their own, for example, people who are paralyzed and suffer severe motor disabilities such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. This is the primary target group for Schalk's research at the Wadsworth Center, where Schalk is the chief promoter and project director of "BCI2000." Access to the full article is free, but requires you to register. Registration is simple and quick – all we need is your name and a valid e-mail address. We appreciate your interest in bridges. |
