Neuroscientists from Harvard University have put a whole new spin on the age-old saying “monkey see, monkey do,” after their brain implants allowed one monkey to control the actions of another monkey. Their findings could someday allow paralyzed individuals to control movement of their own limbs. Paralysis resulting from nerve or spinal cord damage is still a challenge for modern surgical techniques. Brain-machine interfaces in development now allow people to operate computers, or control robotic limbs — some of which can sense touch
. However, the Harvard team’s technique could allow a person to use brain activity to move one’s own limbs. The study’s author, neuroscientist Ziv Williams, explained the benefit to CBS
:
"The benefit there is that you are using your own body as opposed to a mechanical device, which can need a lot of support and is not always practical to carry around with you."
To accomplish ...
