New Technology helps People who are Paralyzed to Communicate with Brain Power

Did you see this video on 60 Minutes? It features a guy with ALS and a lady with a stroke who are both completely paralyzed and nonverbal. Neuroscientists have found a way to tap into the thoughts in their brain, and make them into actions performed through a computer. The gentleman with ALS is able to communicate by choosing letters on the screen, and the woman was able to move a cursor around the screen and even operate a power wheelchair with just her brain power. They also showed a monkey who actually controlled a robotic arm with his brain.

The hope is that the technology can help people with disabilities to communicate and control mechanisms like a wheelchair. See for yourself!

Watch the 60 Minutes video “Brain Power” or read the text version of the story here.