It's been over two decades since researchers first demonstrated that a person could move a computer cursor with their thoughts.
That's thanks to brain-computer interfaces (BCIs): surgically implanted devices that link the brain to a computer.
The devices have already been implanted in dozens of people, and can be helpful for people who've lost the ability to move or speak.
And the field is making progress. New generations of BCIs could go as far as to detect a person's inner monologue.
But that progress is raising questions about the future privacy of our brains, and has some scientists asking, "What happens when you want to keep some things to yourself?"
Read more of NPR brain correspondent Jon Hamilton's reporting on brain implants.
Interested in more on the future of brain science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org – we may feature it in an upcoming episode!
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This episode was produced by Rachel Carlson and edited by our showrunner, Rebecca Ramirez. Jon Hamilton and Tyler Jones checked the facts. Kwesi Lee was the audio engineer.
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