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(06/26/2025) A team including a Providence VA researcher developed a brain-computer interface that allowed a 45-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to speak instantaneously and with intonation. ALS is an incurable, progressive degenerative disorder affecting the nervous system. The researchers attached 256 microelectrodes to the man's brain, which were wired to a computer to decode electrical signals associated with his thoughts of speaking. The brain's electrical signals were translated into a synthesized approximation of his voice with depth and range rather than a flat computerized voice. The voice was often understandable to others, but speech clarity improved with practice. The participant was even able to sing short melodies. The publication even contains videos demonstrating this remarkable achievement. The results demonstrate the potential of brain-computer interfaces to restore a natural voice to people unable to speak due to disease or paralysis. (Nature, Jun. 12, 2025)