It never ceases to amaze me at the scientific innovations being created which will improve or enhance our existence. Recent breakthroughs in brain-machine interface technology have made it possible for monkeys as well as some humans the ability to control prosthetic limbs with their thoughts. Subjects are implanted with microwire arrays in the motor cortex. Not only does the brain control the movement of the limbs, but bidirectional signals allow touch feedback and pressure sensitivity. During the Duke University research, monkeys were trained through the use of a virtual “avatar” to identify object textures on a screen and were rewarded for proper responses.
What next?
The combination of brain-machine interface and touch sensory is the next step in aiding wounded veterans and people with restricted movement to have better life experiences. Future advancements in microwire arrays simulating the motor cortex worn externally to the brain, would potentially make the technology ideal for many other uses.
Courtesy of Duke University
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/38792/?mod=chfeatured
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