SCI/TECH: Brain Chip Allows Control Of Devices By Thought

A man paralyzed several years ago by a stabbing can now control many devices on his own, using only his mind. New England Sinai Hospital has implanted a series of hair-thin electrodes into the motor cortex of his brain, translating his brain's commands to his limbs into computer commands. This technology has proven capable of giving the patient control of a robotic arm and it is believed that it may one day help restore control of his own limbs. Further advances will be necessary to make extremely fine and complex movements possible, however theoretically every command the brain can give to the body can eventually be restored to with this technology.



Things advance so quickly that we sometimes forget that this was just science fiction not long ago. We have such a great understanding of how the brain works that we can interpret its commands and have a machine carry them out. I think one question clearly stands out above all others- does this mean Steven Hawking will be able to conquer the world?

[edit on 31-3-2005 by The Vagabond]

This is kinda cool and kinda scary at the same time. It'd certainly change the olympics. Human cyborging, here we come.

This is really exciting. I probably won't live to see this technology become as common as the remote control, but just the thought of being able to control a variety of devices from home appliances to certain functions of an automobile is very exciting.

Of course there will be those who will do things like hack the traffic light systems so they can get to work faster.

Two words: Terri Schiavo

Originally posted by onlyinmydreams
Two words: Terri Schiavo

Sorry. I doubt these devices will be able to think for people, and they will probably require some brain activity to work. Wouldn't have helped her.

I wonder if they (science) are approaching adrenaline control with these devices. It would surely make for an awesome trooper.

On the flip side, a mass-rapist could storm a woman's dorm and never wear out. Might want to put some kind of 'porn-blocker' in the chip.

Well sign me up! Where do I get me one of them triple six brain chips?

I want em to plant that sucker right in the middle of my forehead!

I knew NWO, had tested and all that, but I didn't think they would promote this thing like this: 1st lost kids in Mexico, then trying to "find" lost kids and pets, then like med. badges, now this!

Ppl, it's scary, but I'm beginning to think Nick Carter is actually showing some signs of intelligence.
* Scary(old western-type music) music plays*
Nick draws an awesome comic book picture of The Backstreet Boys, NWO takes over, I run and then get all set to...

Originally posted by onlyinmydreams
Two words: Terri Schiavo

terri schiavo's brain was destroyed. Sticking chips in it wouldn't accomplish anything. You need to have a functioning brain to have thoughts.

Cool!

I have been waiting for this ever since hearing about someone doing it with a chimp a few years ago.

There will always be those who are afraid of change, no matter how good it is, but _____ them. If they don't want to use it, thats cool with me.

I want a Luke Skywalker hand. Only problem is I would have to cut of my real one, and I'm quite attached to it...

This is an interesting thought. Makes me think of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Because twenty five years ago, many people "knew" that computers were too big to become practical, but now look. As far off as it may seem, I think that we may be in the begining of the greatest technological revolution since the first electronic computers.

Just think of the medical implications, in theory paralysis would become meaningless. This along with the cure for cancer, and stem cells becoming fully useable may become the one of the largest medical breakthroughs.

Man, just think in the future, so long as my brain holds out, I might be able to become the closest anyone will ever get to immortality. This breakthrough is amazing. Personally I would like to see further developments and more funding allocated to similar research.

They'll implant a guy who cuts grass next...........

Originally posted by malcr
They'll implant a guy who cuts grass next...........

Just stay off my lawnmower man.

Better than liking a group that tells their fans "We won the Lawnmowing Championships". But hey, your right it could be good. But the funny thing about goverments, is that you never know.

The best minds can program the world for world security. A democratic peaceful world can be created and each person's thoughts count. Nothing is left secret. This is only a small segment of the technology that can be used to increase life spans of each world citizen.

Pretty kewl stuff. Thanks for sharing it. I saw a story a few months back along the same lines & there was a guy playing the old pong video game - he was moving the paddles just using thought. I believe the research was at the U of W.

This is a Major step to understanding the bodies capabilities. If a man can do this with one chip... imagine the greater things doctors can achieve.

Good find.

And worth a bump. ...Nice to see military nanotechnology used to benefit ordinary people.