Monkey's Brain Runs Robotic Arm

[Massacure]

http://www.livescience.com/technology/050218_monkey_arm.html

WASHINGTON D.C. - Robotic arms used by amputees are typically controlled by moving some other part of the body, like the opposite arm. Researchers would like to make such prostheses respond to the whim of the brain.

Now it turns out researchers have found a method so easy (well, relatively so) that a monkey can do it.

<snip>

The research may one day lead to permanent artificial prostheses for those who have lost a limb, and it might also increase the mobility and dexterity of those suffering from spinal cord injuries or nervous system disorders, like ALS.

"We hope to move to human subjects in two to four years," Schwartz said.

A big hurdle, however, is the fact that biological material builds up around the electrodes, causing the signal to degrade over time. On average, the electrodes in the monkey brains only lasted six months. More bio-compatible materials, as well as devices that transmit their signal without wires, may be needed to make the jump to humans.

There is a lot more to read at the link.

My teacher has a very close friend that is a quadrapolegic and is in the hospital right now for the flu and isn't supposed to make it through the weekend. I wish I had seen this while browsing during my study hall this morning. I feel like a dumbass for missing this now. :cry:

[SupormomFreeAtLast]

1. Would that be Karl Rove?