patient Keith Thomas from New York (USA) had a traffic accident in 2020, causing injuries to the C4 and C5 vertebrae on the spine, leading to complete loss of sensation and mobility from the chest down.
However, Thomas was able to move his arms at will and felt it thanks to brain transplant technology supported by artificial intelligence (AI) developed by the Feinstein Institute of Electromedic Biomedic Medicine of Northwell Health (USA).
According to Engadget, the team spent months maping Keith's brain using MRI to pinpoint the parts of the brain responsible for arm and sensory movements.
The surgeons then performed a 15-hour surgery to plant a microvehicle into the brain while Keith Thomas was still conscious.
This helps him tell them if he feels a comeback or not, as doctors examine his body parts.
Once the microchips were inside the body, the team also installed external ports on Keith's head.
These portals are responsible for connecting to computers supported by AI algorithms, developed to interpret patients' thoughts and turn them into actions.
Researchers call this method "the mind control method". For example, if the patient thinks about wanting to move their hands, the transplanted part in their brain will send a signal to the computer, then the computer will send a signal to the electrical strips on the spine and arm muscles of the patient to stimulate movement. They also attach sensors to the patient's fingertips and palms to stimulate sensation.
Thanks to this system, Keith was able to move his arms at will and felt his younger sister holding his hand in the lab. While he needed to be connected to a computer to do the experiment, the researchers said Keith showed signs of recovery even when the system was turned off.
His arm strength has seemingly "d roubled" since the study began. At the same time, his forearms and wrists can now feel some feelings.
If everything goes well, group mind control therapy can help Keith regain more emotions and mobility.
The research team hopes that this method can change the lives of people with disabilities.
"This is the first time a paralyzed person's brain, body and spinal cord have been electronically linked together to restore movement and sensation," said Chad Bouton, a technology developer and lead investigator of the clinical trial. When participants think about moving their arms or hands, we will strengthen their spinal cord and stimulate their brains and muscles to help rebuild connections, provide sensory feedback and promote recovery.
This type of mind control therapy is a factor that changes everything. Our goal is that one day, this technology will be used to bring more full and independent living to people with disabilities.
