The worlds of science, medicine, and technology move fast but, for the most part, move together. This story out of New York's North Shore University Hospital hints at a future where injuries previously considered incurable may be within reach.
👩🔬 What happened?
Scientists at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research implanted a device in the brain of a quadriplegic patient. The device, using AI, translates thoughts into actions, allowing the patient to feel sensations and move.
🙋♂️ To whom did this happen?
Keith Thomas, who had been paralyzed in a 2020 diving accident.
🤖 How did they do it?
The researchers performed a 15-hour surgery on March 9, 2023, identifying the right spot in the brain for the implant, which consists of five microchips. The implants were connected to computers to enable the translation of thoughts into movement.
🤞 What does this mean beyond Keith's story?
This breakthrough offers hope for over five million people in the US affected by paralysis. It potentially revolutionizes the treatment of paralysis, allowing those afflicted to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.