New Cyborg Technology May Reverse Paralysis And Replace Functionality

KEY POINTS

Over 5 million people in the US live with paralysis
Neural Interface Systems may be able to rewire damaged brains and spinal cords
The first non-invasive Brain-Computer Interface has been created

Imagine being in a terrible accident and losing the use of your legs because of a spinal injury. Those images and feelings are not pleasant, to say the least, but they are a daily reality for approximately 5 million people living in the U.S. and millions more across the globe. However, there may be hope on the horizon. New technology, not just science-fiction, may be the solution.

Neurologists have always pondered ways to restore functionality to injury victims or provide the functionality to people that were born with spine and brain-related conditions. The science of bioengineering has moved forward in leaps and bounds over the last 50 years and a new concept has made its way into laboratories all over the world, Neural Interfaces. This is where the science fiction comes in. According to a report from the US National Library of Medicine, Neural Interface Systems may be the answer.

The idea behind it is a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) that essentially rewires the affected part of the brain or spinal column. It is quite real. Methods are that will physically rewire damaged sections of the body or mind allowing signals to pass from the brain to the rest of the body, or in the case of augmented senses to and from a computer. The first non-invasive BCI has been developed by a team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota.

A cross-section of a brain organoid, showing the initial formation of a cortical plate, with each color marking a different type of brain cell Muotri Lab / HO

The U.S. Department of Defense has been studying the idea of cybernetic implants and other BCI technology for the enhancement of soldiers. These types of procedures and enhancements will be in extensive use by 2050. It would only make sense that the same technology will be used for civilians as well.

Ethics then becomes an issue as the military study indicates several times. There is fear that people will not accept others that have been turned into “Cyborgs.” It is easy to see how that could happen as the term usually conjures up dystopian themes based on science-fiction novels. What if it could save lives or give someone a second chance at life? We may soon find out.