With the advent of technologies connecting human brains to computers, robotics, and even other brains, scientists are making strides toward a goal long thought impossible: restoring function to patients with damaged spinal cords. In groundbreaking new research, World Science Festival participant Miguel Nicolelis, co-director of Duke University’s Center for Neuroengineering, used virtual reality and robotic exoskeletons to help eight paralyzed patients regain some control over parts of their bodies. One woman, who had been paralyzed for 13 years, learned to move her legs again—completely on her own. Nicolelis theorizes that by training with brain-computer interfaces, the patients reactivated undamaged spinal nerves that had lain dormant. Their progress shows that even complete paralysis may no longer mean a lifetime of immobility.

To learn more about Nicolelis’ work and the growth of brain-machine interfaces, check out the World Science Festival’s 2016 program “Mind Melds and Brain Beams: The Dawn of Brain to Brain Communication.” [ Ссылка ]

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