Bypassing Paralyzed Nerves

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/37657/title/Bypassing_paralyzed_nerves



Scientists have developed technology that electronically connects the muscles of an animal to its brain. This allows for the paralyzed animal to have slight control over their muscles. In the case of the monkey, it was able to control small movements in its hand. The device sends electrical signals to the brain which allows the animal to have control over its muscles even though the actual nerves aren't sending the message. This experiment was a great success since it was the first time that scientists have been able to link the brain artificially to the muscles.



Unfortunately, the control of necessary muscles in the human body can take control of many muscles rather than just one. The person would have to learn to use there muscles on an individual basis and then put them together. The most recent idea, however is to develp technology to stimulate the nerves in the spinal chord rather than in the muscle itself.

This is a very interesting and complex idea. The concept of creating an artificial control center is mind boggling. At the same time, if this were to become a reality, many people's lives would change drastically. With the development of science, the world can and will change for the better.