clipped from: www.theregister.co.uk   

US brain-plug interface gets live human trials

Telepathic mouse kit could jumpwire paralysed limbs

The BrainGate neural interface system

Boffins in America say that their new "neural interface" brain-plug equipment, intended to let users control computers and machinery merely by thinking, is about to embark on its second stage of clinical trials. The tech is intended initially to help patients suffering from paralysing illness or massive injuries, but has implications beyond the medical field.

BrainGate
uses a grid of electrodes implanted beneath a user's skull into his or her motor cortex
BrainGate computers
interpret the electrodes' readings from the motor cortex and "turn thought into action" - for instance by moving a cursor on a screen, or operating a cybernetic limb, or directing a motorised wheelchair.

Thus the team aim ultimately to design a fully internal, self-powered wireless brain implant to replace the present skull jack.