Nature 568, 493–498 (2019)

Neural activity in the cortex can be translated into speech using a synthetic device.

The loss of ability to form speech as a result of neurological injury is devastating. Currently, those affected turn to other nonverbal means of communication. Furthermore, current brain–computer interfaces rely on slow cursor-based systems to spell out words.

A group of scientists based in California were able to develop a device that decodes the multiple instructions for articulatory movement that occur in the cortex into the directions for speech. The device was able to synthesize speech from decoded signals such that the speech was understood by other individuals.

The study shows the potential for neuroprosthetics to restore speech.