The Deep Dive: AI for the Good …

Posted on June 16, 2025 by michelleclarke2015
AI for Good: The potential of brain-computer interfaces in medicine
Source: Midjourney v7
What if paralyzed stroke survivors could control robotic arms with their thoughts, or autistic children could engage in therapy through mind-controlled games? Researchers worldwide are making these possibilities reality through AI-powered brain-computer interfaces.
What’s happening: Scientists are developing systems that read electrical brain activity through scalp electrodes and use AI to translate those signals into commands for external devices. Recent studies show these non-invasive approaches can help stroke patients regain motor function and assist autistic children in social engagement activities.
At Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto, researchers successfully used brain-computer interfaces as recreational therapy for autistic children, allowing them to control remote-controlled cars through mental focus. The program helped improve attention and engagement while providing therapeutic benefits without the stress of traditional interventions.
How it works:
Electrodes on the scalp collect electrical brain activityAI interprets the brain signals linked to movement or intention. The system provides real-time feedback based on mental focus. This creates a closed loop that helps the brain practice tasks..Progress continues even if the body cannot move yet
Meanwhile, a comprehensive review published in March 2025 analyzing 18 studies found that brain-computer interfaces show significant promise for stroke rehabilitation. The technology works by detecting brain signals linked to intended movements, even when patients cannot physically move, and providing real-time feedback that encourages neural recovery.
Why it matters: Traditional stroke rehabilitation requires some remaining motor function, leaving severely paralyzed patients with few options. Brain-computer interfaces offer hope for the 30-50% of stroke survivors with complete chronic paralysis by creating new pathways for the brain to practice and potentially rewire itself.
University of Melbourne researchers are pioneering an endovascular approach called the Stentrode, which deploys brain interfaces through blood vessels rather than invasive skull surgery. The device remains effectively invisible to the brain, reducing rejection risk while enabling direct neural control of external devices.
For autism applications, the technology’s appeal lies in its engaging, game-like interface that can maintain children’s attention while supporting therapeutic goals like social communication and focus training.
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About michelleclarke2015

Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
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