Don’t worry, it was done all in the name of science. Science! What you’re about to read is a minor breakthrough in prosthetic technology and brain implants. Both involved test monkeys and proved very successful.
In a rare alliance of two prestigious universities from France and America, monkeys were able to control virtual limbs by thinking out their actions, thanks to brain implants. This is as good as hard science fiction gets, only this time it’s real.
The complex procedure that allowed monkeys to control virtual limbs with the power of thought was a feat for the record books. What the scientists from Duke University and France’s EPFL did was to insert electrodes into a monkey’s motor cortex, which naturally controls limb movement.
Breakthrough in Brain-Computer Interfaces
Next came a series of games where monkeys ‘interacted’ with their virtual limbs, ultimately learning to detect texture and exercise some good old-fashioned trial n’ error. The monkeys were trained to use their thoughts to manipulate a virtual arm on a computer screen. This was achieved by decoding the electrical signals generated in their brains and translating them into movements of the virtual limb. The monkeys were able to perform tasks such as reaching for objects and even feeling the texture of virtual surfaces.
This encouraging development involving monkeys might eventually pave the way for a huge leap forward in prostheses. Think of futuristic exoskeletons that the paralyzed can control using their thoughts. See where this is going?
Implications for Human Prosthetics
The implications of this research are profound. For individuals who have lost limbs or are paralyzed, the ability to control prosthetic limbs with their thoughts could significantly improve their quality of life. Imagine a world where a person with a spinal cord injury could walk again using a thought-controlled exoskeleton. This technology could also be used to develop advanced prosthetic limbs that provide sensory feedback, allowing users to feel the texture and temperature of objects they touch.
Moreover, this research opens up new possibilities for brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in general. BCIs could be used in various applications, from controlling computers and smartphones to operating machinery and vehicles. The potential for enhancing human capabilities and improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities is immense.
The collaboration between Duke University and EPFL demonstrates the power of international cooperation in advancing scientific knowledge. By combining their expertise and resources, these institutions have made significant strides in understanding how the brain can interface with technology. This research is a testament to the potential of interdisciplinary and cross-border collaborations in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
The successful control of virtual limbs by monkeys using brain implants represents a significant milestone in the field of prosthetic technology and brain-computer interfaces. This research not only provides hope for individuals with disabilities but also paves the way for future innovations that could enhance human capabilities in unprecedented ways. As scientists continue to explore the potential of BCIs, we can look forward to a future where the line between human and machine becomes increasingly blurred.
Source Gizmag
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