I recently read the most incredible story about the powers of the human mind - a shining example of technological advances, as well as determined survival.
Following a serious car accident, Erik Ramsey suffered a stroke in his brain stem. Now 25-years-old, Erik has been suffering from a rare and permanent condition known as locked-in syndrome for the past nine years. Erik is completely paralyzed - the only thing he can control is the up and down movement of his eyes. A speech therapist realized that Erik could use these eye movements to answer yes or no questions - up for yes and down for no.
It's hard to imagine what type of life Erik can lead, but thanks to breaking edge computer technology, determined researchers and an even more determined individual, Erik could one day make his thoughts audible. That's right - he could speak through a computer using only his thoughts.
Erik is working with Dr. Philip Kennedy, a pioneer in the field of brain-computer interface research who is on the fore-front of developing technology to generate speech through brain activity. Kennedy worked with neurosurgeons to thread thin wires into the speech center of Erik's brain. While these wires are hooked into a computer, Erik thinks about making vowel sounds. As he does, the vowel sound comes out of the speaker. The next step is developing the technology to allow Erik to form consonants. The team's goal is for Erik to "speak" full sentences within five years.
This story just blows my mind. The perseverance of the human spirit and the ingenuity of the human mind never ceases to amaze me.
~ Nicole
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