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BrainPort Allows People To Reclaim Damaged Senses

Posted by CmdrTaco on Tuesday November 23, 2004 @04:30AM from the thats-just-freaky dept.

Karma Star writes "There is a news article on a new device called a BrainPort, which is special device that is worn like a helmet, with a strip of tape containing an array of 144 microelectrodes hanging off the headset which is placed on the tongue. The BrainPort then sends signals to the tongue which are then picked up by the brain, allowing the user to regain otherwise lost sensory input. More at the NY Times (soul stealing subscription required)."

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Re:NYT Article Text by lisaparratt · 2004-11-23 05:00 · Score: 5, Insightful

By tapping a cane, a blind person perceives a step, a curb or a puddle of water but is not aware of any sensation in the hand; feeling is experienced at the tip of the cane. IME, the reverse is also true - when riding my motorbike, I'm not aware of pushing on the handlebars, shifting weight etc - I just think where I want it to go and it does.