Paralyzed folks cannot move their limbs simply because to put it in simple parlance, the “move” command cannot reach from their brain to the limb. This is more or less the fault of the damaged nervous system, or perhaps even to the brain, never mind that said limb is functional. Theoretically, that means said limb can move – as long as a signal is able to reach it. Scientists over at the University of Michigan might have stumbled upon something special in the form of the BioBolt implant that is capable of transmitting neural signals from the brain to a computer wirelessly, where further research is needed to relay such commands to a formerly paralyzed limb.
While neural implants are already in existence, previous attempts did require an access hole in the patient’s skull to remain open at all times whenever said device is in use, which makes it impractical to say the least. The BioBolt takes a different route by hiding underneath the skin and within a hole in the skull, hence sealing it away effectively. We wonder whether this will set off the metal detector at airports though.
Such a system of sending signals to a formerly paralyzed limb is still years away, so don’t get your hopes up yet that Professor X is going to be walking around anytime soon.
Filed in . Read more about Implant.