Brain Implants Are Here — And Getting Better - Short Wave
Update: 2025-09-10
Description
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are surgically implanted devices that link the brain to a computer. They can be helpful for people who’ve lost the ability to move or speak.
And they’re making progress. New generations of BCIs could go as far as to detect a person’s inner monologue.
But that progress is raising questions about the future privacy of our brains, and has some scientists asking, “What happens when you want to keep some things to yourself?”
NPR brain correspondent Jon Hamilton talks to Short Wave’s Emily Kwong about the future of BCIs.
Read more of Jon’s reporting on brain implants.
Interested in more on the future of brain science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org – we may feature it in an upcoming episode!
Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy
And they’re making progress. New generations of BCIs could go as far as to detect a person’s inner monologue.
But that progress is raising questions about the future privacy of our brains, and has some scientists asking, “What happens when you want to keep some things to yourself?”
NPR brain correspondent Jon Hamilton talks to Short Wave’s Emily Kwong about the future of BCIs.
Read more of Jon’s reporting on brain implants.
Interested in more on the future of brain science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org – we may feature it in an upcoming episode!
Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy
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