Neural Implant To Give Control of Paralyzed Arms

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on Friday October 23, 2009 @10:58AM from the i-call-it-a-stranger dept.

An anonymous reader writes "A neural implant that connects to muscle-stimulating electrodes has given monkeys the ability to grasp a ball and drop it into a hole even though the monkey's arm has been anesthetized. The approach is another step towards 'rewiring' the brains and limbs of paralyzed patients. The research, presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference in Chicago this week, uses a technique called functional electrical stimulation (FES), in which implanted electrodes deliver electrical current to trigger muscle contractions, providing a way to reconnect this loop."

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There goes my excuse by abbynormal+brain · 2009-10-23 11:25 · Score: 3, Funny

Now I won't be able to blame Carpal Tunnel anymore. Thanks Science ...thanks a lot!

--
L'esperienza de questa dolce vita (The experience of this sweet life) - Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy
No thanks by Reason58 · 2009-10-23 11:52 · Score: 1, Funny

I am against neural implants. They just don't feel as good as natural nerves.
easier way by Korbeau · 2009-10-23 14:14 · Score: 2, Funny

has given monkeys the ability ...
If you have a paralyzed limb and are on a budget, train the monkeys to fetch things for you instead. Problem solved, and you even got bonus company!