Brain chip gets paralysed to walk again

11 February 2016 - 02:58 By ©The Daily Telegraph

A "bionic spine" that could enable paraplegics to walk again using a tiny device implanted in the brain has been developed by scientists in Australia. The paper clip-sized device, to be implanted in three spinal injury patients in Melbourne next year, allows the disabled person to control equipment that can move robotic limbs using thought alone."It's the holy grail for research in bionics," said Professor Terence O'Brien of the Royal Melbourne Hospital.The procedure involves placing a 3cm stent containing 12 electrodes next to the brain's motor cortex, which controls movement.The stent sends electrical signals to a device implanted in the shoulder, which translates them into commands that can be transmitted wirelessly to bionic limbs or exoskeleton suits.The scientists hope the stent could help efforts to develop a bionic eye, predict epileptic seizures and treat Parkinson's.The procedure, outlined in the journal Nature Biotechnology, is expected to be commercially available by the mid-2020s.Clive May, of the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, wrote: "One aim is to add more electrodes, allowing finer control." ..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.