The use of artificial device to replace a missing body part otherwise known as prosthetics has been popular since the ancient times. The earliest recorded account comes from the Rigveda, an ancient collection of Sanskrit hymns, which is dates back from the 1500-1200 BC. Since then significant strides have been made in the field of prosthesis including artificial limbs controlled by a microprocessor allowing movement that feels and looks more natural. However scientists from Maryland have recently unveiled a new technology that could revolutionize prosthesis altogether.
Just this week, doctors from the John Hopkins University School of Medicine announced their new innovation - a mind-controlled prosthetic arm. The team implanted electrodes into the brain of a volunteer who was at the hospital to undergo brain mapping for his epilepsy. In total, the doctors surgically placed 128 electrodes along the area of the man's brain that controlled hand and arm movement. The test subject was then asked to wiggle different fingers. As he was moving, the team recorded the different parts of the brain that lit up during the specified movement.
The prosthetic's accuracy currently clocks in at 88%. The scientists were quick to admit that much research is needed before their invention can be available in the market. They are however as certain as they are cautious about the benefits their mind-control arm would extend to more than 100,000 amputees living in the United States.
"We believe this is the first time a person using a mind-controlled prosthesis has immediately performed individual digit movements without extensive training. This technology goes beyond available prostheses, in which the artificial digits, or fingers, moved as a single unit to make a grabbing motion, like one used to grip a tennis ball" explained Dr. Nathan Crone, one of the John Hopkins doctors involved in the project.
