Peer-reviewed research
A high-performance neuroprosthesis for speech decoding and avatar control
Sean L. Metzger et al., Nature (open full text via PubMed Central), 2023
Read the originalRead on October 17, 2026
- What it is
- The full text of the 2023 Nature paper from the University of California, San Francisco, describing a speech neuroprosthesis that decodes attempted speech from a 253-channel electrocorticography array in one participant with paralysis, into text, synthesized speech and an avatar. It is the same paper as the Nature record used for the 78 words per minute result.
- How much weight it carries
- Peer-reviewed in Nature, with the full text free through PubMed Central. The results come from one clinical-trial participant, so they describe a single person rather than a population.
Facts taken from this source
- The participant in the 2023 Metzger study was implanted with a 253-channel high-density electrocorticography (ECoG) array, placed on the surface of the brain.
“A brainstem-stroke survivor with anarthria was implanted with a 253-channel high-density ECoG array 18 years after injury.” (Results, participant description)
- The participant in the 2023 Metzger study could not speak or make speech sounds, and could not type, because of weakness in her orofacial, vocal, arm and hand muscles.
“cannot speak or vocalize speech sounds given the severe weakness of her orofacial and vocal muscles ... cannot type given the weakness in her arms and hands” (Results, participant description)