The melding of man and machine has long been a staple of science fiction. Indeed, the participants in Cyberkinetics's clinical trial, who have not yet been chosen, will have a cable sticking out of their heads to connect them to computers, making them look something like characters in "The Matrix." Though Cyberkinetics is not the first to try neural control in people, it seems the most intent on bringing a product to market, perhaps by 2007 or 2008. Started in 2001 and based in Foxborough, Mass., the company has raised $9 million for the project.

Cyberkinetics is a leader in the rapidly emerging field of brain computer interfaces. Cyberkinetics' technology allows for the creation of direct, reliable and bi-directional interfaces between the brain, nervous system and a computer. The development of safe, robust implants for recording from, and or stimulating, the brain surface will open the potential to study other complex signals from the brain. Cyberkinetics technology platform, called BrainGate may allow breakthrough applications which leverage the translation of thought into direct computer control.