New IBM Project May Help Predict Epileptic Seizures
By Matthew Ryan
For the last century, IBM has been a pacesetter in the world of technology, but they have officially reached the bleeding edge. IBM recently developed an experimental chip called TrueNorth that processes information through architecture similar to the neural pathways in our brains. This synthesized neural network will allow neurologists working with IBM to analyze a person’s brain activity, and search for patterns in brain waves happening before serious events, such as epileptic seizures. Ultimately, the research from translating brain activity patterns into a computer chip may lead to a simple way of predicting epileptic seizures.
IBM’S TRUENORTH CHIP
The chip uses spikes as inputs and outputs to transmit information from the person’s brain to a database for brain wave “big data.” This database indexes the brainformation and gives real-time analysis of the person’s brain function.
The potential with IBM’s TrueNorth project is massive, and its practical applications are endless. Harnessing the ability to predict the onset of a seizure will allow those suffering from epilepsy to avoid inciting a more traumatic event. Students will be able to leave the classroom, employees will be able to step away from their customers, and drivers will be able to pull over in advance of an upcoming seizure. Technological advancements like these, from companies like IBM, move society one step closer to embodying neurodiversity.
This article is based on a piece on GeekSnack.com, which can be seen here.
Matthew Ryan hosts the online news show the Week in Neurodiversity, thinks he knows something about social media marketing, and fits-out whenever the opportunity presents itself; A different brains philosopher.
