misunderestimation

I realize this title seems like it came out of the tabloids, but this is a very interesting article from MecuryNews.com:

In what is being heralded as a potential breakthrough for patients with spinal cord injuries, a quadriplegic was able to open e-mail, change television stations and turn on lights with just his mind — and a sophisticated brain sensor that translated his thoughts into actions.

[...]

Researchers said they were especially excited by the fact that the patient was still able to activate the part of the brain that controls movement, called the motor cortex, three years after being paralyzed.

They said the technology could ultimately benefit thousands of people with damage to their spinal cords, muscles or nerves. This includes not only paraplegics and quadriplegics, but also survivors of severe strokes and some patients with muscular dystrophy.

While this is potentially a tremendous breakthrough in the treatment of paralysis, Economist’s View wonders about the potential ramifications of usage for all individuals.

Think of all the time you spend just on email. Wouldn’t it be easier if you could just think the words and have them appear on the screen through some kind of magic electronic dictation process?

Imagine all the time you spend at the keyboard could be replaced by thinking your work. I wonder if I spell better in my brain than I do on the keyboard…

More misunderestimation