Why it's a Mind Blow: The power and resilience of the human brain is truly remarkable. We are only just beginning to understand its complex workings, and this innovation represents a major step forward on that journey.
Here's how it works. When someone wants to move their arm or grasp something with their hand, neurons in the brain fire with electrical signals. Even after suffering paralysis, the neurons still fire, and specific patterns can be observed to correlate with specific commands: up, down, open, close, etc.
At Brown University, scientists have installed a chip in their subject's brain that can observe and report these electrical commands. The chip then sends signals to the prosthetic arm, giving the subject the ability to move and even perform fine motor functions like grabbing a ball.
The implications of this discovery are thrilling, and somewhat terrifying. It could lead to a complete cure to paralysis and grant amputees the ability to play the piano. But there's also the robot armies to consider. And what happens when we figure out how to control the firing of the neurons themselves? Could I make someone involuntarily commit murder on my behalf? Could I be John Malcovich?
Sci-fi horror plots aside, this is an amazing breakthrough. I only wish Christopher Reeves was still alive to see it, and to shake hands with the scientists that are changing people's lives for the better. They are, after all, the real superheros of the modern age. What will they think of next?
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57435652/paralyzed-woman-uses-mind-control-technology-to-operate-robotic-arm/
No comments:
Post a Comment