Scientists create implant that could turn thoughts into speech

Scientists from the University of California in San Francisco, have developed an implant that can turn thoughts into speech. The device is especially useful if people lose their ability to talk post an ailment. The technology works in two parts. First, an electrode is implanted in the brain, picking electrical signals. Next, computing is used to stimulate how different movement in the throat and mouth would give rise to sound. This creates a "virtual vocal tract". People suffering from motor neuron diseases or brain injuries could benefit from the device provided those parts of the brain which this technology relies on, are working correctly.