Turning brain signals into speech for people with ALS
Single-neuron population dynamics in human speech motor cortex for a speech prosthesis
['FUNDING_U01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11177604
This project converts brain activity from speech areas into fast, natural communication for people with ALS who can no longer speak.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11177604 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would have tiny sensors placed in the part of your brain that controls speech so researchers can record activity from individual neurons while you try to speak. The team will use advanced computational models that look at patterns across many neurons to translate those signals into words or synthesized voice. This work builds on prior BrainGate research that let people with severe motor loss type and control devices using brain signals. Participation involves surgery, training sessions, and follow-up visits at specialist centers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with ALS or similar severe speech and motor impairment who cannot communicate verbally, can give informed consent, and are eligible for intracortical electrode implantation.
Not a fit: People who can speak normally, those unwilling or medically ineligible for brain surgery, or those whose brain damage prevents recoverable speech signals are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could restore near-conversational speech speeds (about 120–150 words per minute) to people with severe speech loss.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier BrainGate work successfully decoded arm movement intentions to enable typing and device control, but decoding single-neuron speech activity to reach conversational speech rates is largely novel and remains unproven in humans.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HENDERSON, JAIMIE M — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HENDERSON, JAIMIE M
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.
Conditions: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease