Gert-Jan Oskam, who suffered a debilitating cycling accident twelve years ago, is now walking again with the help of a groundbreaking brain-spine interface device. Developed by neuroscientist Grégoire Courtine and his team, the device uses implants in Oskam’s skull to detect electrical activity in his brain’s cortex when he thinks about walking. The information is then wirelessly transmitted to a spinal pulse generator, allowing Oskam to control the stimulation and movement of his legs. After 40 rehabilitation sessions, Oskam has regained the ability to move his legs voluntarily and walk short distances without the device. The brain-spine interface represents a significant leap forward for individuals with spinal cord injuries and could pave the way for further advancements in rehabilitation.
Related Posts
Alpine rocks unveil Earth’s interior dynamics through plate tectonics evidence.
Alpine rocks, formed by the collision of tectonic plates, provide insights into Earth’s interior dynamics. The folding, faulting, and metamorphism seen in these rocks offer evidence of intense pressure and temperature changes, helping us understand plate tectonics. They reveal the forces that shape the Earth’s crust and the interaction of lithospheric plates. The study of […]
Gel embedded with drug-loaded nanoparticles targets tumors effectively, minimizing side effects.
Researchers developed a gel-based system by embedding nanoparticles loaded with cancer drugs within a gelatinous matrix. This innovative approach enhances drug delivery to solid tumors. The gel is injected directly into the tumor site, allowing sustained and controlled release of the medication over time. The nanoparticles gradually release the drugs, targeting the tumor while minimizing […]
Mountains alter El Niño precipitation: windward rain, leeward dryness.
Mountains significantly influence El Niño-induced winter precipitation by altering atmospheric circulation patterns. When El Niño occurs, warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific lead to changes in the jet stream and atmospheric pressure. As air masses move across mountains, they rise and cool, causing moisture to condense and precipitate on the windward side, creating increased precipitation. […]