Brain Chips Give Paralyzed Patients New Powers

A neural implant allows paralyzed patients to control computers and robotic arms — and, maybe one day, their own limbs.

Matthew Nagle, a 25-year-old man who was paralyzed after a knife wound in 2001, was the first person to test out a surgically implanted electrode array.

Neuroscientists dream of creating neural prosthetics that would allow paralyzed patients to regain control over their arms and legs. While that goal is still far off, researchers at Brown University and Massachusetts General Hospital are reporting a promising step forward.

By Emily Singer

Full Story: http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17163&ch=biotech