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Blind Soldier Uses Tongue To "See"

Zen found this story about a blind soldier using a lollypop-sized tongue sensor to 'see.' The system actually enables him to walk and read unaided. The guy says, "It feels like licking a nine-volt battery or like popping candy. The camera sends signals down onto the lollypop and onto your tongue, you can then determine what they mean and transfer it to shapes."

3 of 107 comments (clear)

  1. Cool thing is... by slimjim8094 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    before long, he won't be thinking about deciphering "square", "circle", "room" etc. If my understanding is correct, he really will be able to see with his tongue, in the same way you or I see with our eyes. It'll wire the tongue up to the vision center.

    The brain is flippin' cool.

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    1. Re:Cool thing is... by mgrassi99 · · Score: 3, Interesting

      So once its all wired up, what happens when he eats? Does he "see" his food? Synthesia for flavors?

  2. Re:Interesting observations from the article by hoggoth · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Where are mod points when I need them?!

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