Black Box MysteryX Prize
To spur brain research
In a joint project with Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, Intel Labs shows that thought-based user interfaces are not as far-fetched as one might think
Getting paralyzed patients to walk or demonstrating virtual telepathy between humans and computers are possible future challenges for researchers, experts said during a brain symposium held here last week. But receiving the funding to unlock the secrets of the human brain may prove equally daunting during a time of slow economic recovery, experts said. During the symposium hosted by Brown University on Oct. 13, representatives of a venture capital firm, a nonprofit foundation and a medical device company discussed how to forge ahead with neurotechnology. "The current economy is focused on conserving resources, not investing in risk-taking," said Daniel O'Connell, a founding member and partner in NeuroVentures Capital. Prize money could encourage companies to take the plunge despite the risks, according to Eileen Bartholomew, senior director of prize development at the X Prize Foundation. Winning such prizes would need clear goals, such as allowing paralyzed patients to "pick up a glass of water, or step out of a wheelchair," she added. Brain disorders currently affect more than 100 million Americans and are responsible for more costs than any other area of health care, O'Connell said. He added that total costs of care for people with Alzheimer's disease alone are likely to skyrocket from $172 billion in 2010 to more than $1 trillion in 2050 that is, if nothing is done to help prevent or cure the disease. But pharmaceutical companies tend to focus on "what's easy and profitable" despite an interest in developing new drugs for brain disorders, O'Connell explained. And venture capitalists that might pony up private funding for new devices or therapies are also moving cautiously.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments