Brain-Spine Interface Allows Paralyzed Man to Walk Using His Thoughts

Introduction

On May 24, 2023, a man suffering from paralysis was able to walk again thanks to a device that allows communication between the brain and the spinal cord, enabling thoughts to control movement. The man’s legs and arms were partially paralyzed after a bicycle accident twelve years ago, which damaged his spinal cord in his neck. However, now he can walk again thanks to a device that creates a “digital bridge” between his brain and the nerves below the injury.

Study Details

The study was conducted by a team of researchers and published in the journal Nature. The device serves as an interface between the brain and the spinal cord to achieve movement control through thoughts. The device functions by recording electrical signals from the brain and translating them into signals that stimulate the nerves in the spinal cord, allowing the paralyzed individual to control the movement of their limbs using their thoughts. The device was tested on the paralyzed man Gerjt-Jan Oskam, 40 years old, and the results showed significant success in restoring the ability to walk.

Potential Impacts

This study represents a significant breakthrough in the field of medicine and neuroscience. If this technology is further developed and improved, individuals with paralysis may regain the ability to walk and control the movement of their bodies naturally. This advancement could have a substantial impact on the lives of people with paralysis and may contribute to improving their quality of life and independence.

Previous Research

Previous research has been conducted in this field, including a study published in Nature in 2018, which used a similar technology to achieve movement control in individuals with paralysis. This study showed promising results and progress in the field of restoring movement for people with paralysis.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the brain-spinal cord interface could be an innovative and effective technique to help individuals with paralysis regain the ability to walk. This development could have a significant impact on the lives of people with paralysis and may open the door to the possibility of developing other technologies for restoring movement and controlling bodies using thoughts.

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01728-0

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