In a pioneering study, researchers designed a wireless brain-spine interface enabling a paralyzed man to walk naturally again. The ‘digital bridge’ comprises two electronic implants — one on the brain and another on the spinal cord — that decode brain signals and stimulate the spinal cord to activate leg muscles.
Remarkably, the patient experienced significant recovery in sensory perceptions and motor skills, even when the interface was off. The team hopes to extend the technology’s applications to include restoring arm and hand functions, and assisting stroke patients.
