DISC device to translate deep brain signals into speech
DIrectional and SCalable (DISC) Microelectrode Array for Speech Decoding
A novel implantable brain sensor that reads deeper speech-related signals to help people who cannot speak because of stroke, neurological injury, or paralysis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11055381 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is building a new implant called DISC that combines stereo-EEG depth probes with high-density microelectrodes to capture brain activity from deep speech areas. The design uses a method called "substrate shielding" to boost signal size, reduce noise, and better separate overlapping brain sources. Early in vivo results show improved signal amplitude, signal-to-noise ratio, and source separation, and the team plans to test word-decoding both offline and in real time. If you have severe speech loss or are a patient undergoing clinical depth recordings, researchers may ask to record your brain signals to try translating them into words.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with severe speech impairment (aphasia, dysarthria, or locked-in syndrome) or patients already undergoing stereo-EEG monitoring for epilepsy who can accept additional recording tests.
Not a fit: People with only mild speech issues, those who cannot undergo invasive recordings, or those whose speech problems are caused by non-neural issues (vocal cord or airway problems) are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could enable devices that turn intended speech-related brain activity into audible or text output to restore communication for people with severe speech loss.
How similar studies have performed: Other brain-computer interface work has shown promise decoding speech-related signals, but this deep, directional micro/macro array approach is novel and at an early translational stage.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seymour, John P — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Seymour, John P
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.