Never mind the mouse. Use your loaf!

danielf · 13-07-2006, 22:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbc

A sensor implanted in a paralysed man's brain has enabled him to control objects by using his thoughts alone.

Basically, this guy is paralysed from the neck down (due to being knifed in the neck). His brain, and motor cortex are fine though. Scientists implanted a chip which interprets the signals from the motor cortex (the brain area responsible for voluntary movement control) and translates them to mouse movements on the screen. Apparently, it only took a few minutes of training before the patient was able to control the mouse/computer. Fantastic!

(Unfortunately, it didn't work that well with an older patient though.)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5167938.stm

Gareth · 13-07-2006, 23:05

Wow, now that's cool.

Halcyon · 13-07-2006, 23:10

That is pretty amazing stuff

greencreeper · 13-07-2006, 23:28

I can imagine a time when we're fitted with a chip, so we control our environment by thought. "Light on"... "Oven on - 200 deg C"... All wireless. The future huh.

danielf · 13-07-2006, 23:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by greencreeper

I can imagine a time when we're fitted with a chip, so we control our environment by thought. "Light on"... "Oven on - 200 deg C"... All wireless. The future huh.

Trust you to come up with a positive spin

In fairness, it's more likely that your oven will tell the implant that your oven chips need turning over. If the implant doesn't walk you to the kitchen, chances are the telly will turn itself off untill you do.

AndrewJ · 14-07-2006, 00:07

Nah I would love to make it into a robot so I could sit at home with a beer and be doing my work ....

greencreeper · 14-07-2006, 00:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

Trust you to come up with a positive spin

In fairness, it's more likely that your oven will tell the implant that your oven chips need turning over. If the implant doesn't walk you to the kitchen, chances are the telly will turn itself off untill you do.

Moi

Chips I can cope with. Toast - well I always burn the first slice. Subsequent slices are fine. So a voice in my head yelling, "Bread slice reaching optimum carbonisation", would mobilise me to the grill, as oppose to waiting for the smoke

**Hugh** · 14-07-2006, 10:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by greencreeper

I can imagine a time when we're fitted with a chip, so we control our environment by thought. "Light on"... "Oven on - 200 deg C"... All wireless. The future huh.

Have to be careful what we say/think, though.

See something surprising, and think to yourself "well, b&gger me!" - doesn't bear thinking about.

Jules · 14-07-2006, 21:28

Another case of science fiction becoming science fact