US quadriplegic Ian Burkhart learns to use his hand with aid of computer software

[Little Tich]

Last edited Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:35 AM - Edit history (1)

Source: ABC News Australia

A quadriplegic man has used his right hand to stir coffee and swipe a credit card in a groundbreaking study in the US, six years after he was paralysed.

The unprecedented feat was made possible by computer software replacing the damaged spinal cord as the communication highway between Ian Burkhart's brain and his hand muscles.

Lead researcher Chad Bouton said it was the first time a completely paralysed person had "regained movement just by using their own thoughts".

Mr Burkhart, a 24-year-old from Ohio, now had a pea-sized chip in his head to read his brain signals, which were then deciphered by a computer and rerouted to the hand, wrist and finger muscles.

Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-14/us-quadriplegic-ian-burkhart-learns-use-hand-in-medical-first/7324988

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Edit: Fixed link.

[KittyWampus]

1. link isn't working

[Journeyman]

2. Paul Simon said it best on "Graceland": these are the days of miracle and wonder . . .

[Bad Dog]

3. This is really good news.

Unless it becomes something only the wealthy can afford.

[democrank]

4. What a monumental accomplishment this must be for Ian Burkhart.

Imagine how thrilled Ian must be about this "communication highway" discovery.

[B2G]

5. My 17 year old nephew was left a quad

after a diving accident last summer.

I keep telling him he can't even imagine the technology that is coming. Thank you so much for posting...bookmarking so I can show him.

[raccoon]

6. I'm so glad this is happening. nt