Awesome story - paralyzed cyclist learns to walk again

[Smaug]

Swiss neuroscientists figured out how to build a "digital bridge" from the brain to the muscles to help this guy walk again. (video)

Here's a summary from the (unbiased) 1440 news feed I get:

Swiss neuroscientists have successfully utilized a brain-spine interface to enable a paralyzed man to walk using his thoughts, according to a study released yesterday. The breakthrough development expands on recent innovations using spinal implants to generate movement in patients with immobilizing spinal injuries. Gert-Jan Oskam, a Dutch 40-year-old who was paralyzed 12 years ago (see documentary), received two brain implants and one on his spine, creating a so-called "digital bridge" across the injured nerves. A portable computer decodes his brain's electrical signals and relays them to a spinal pulse generator, resulting in the perception that his lower body movements are voluntary. Combined with regular therapy, the procedure allows Oskam to walk and climb stairs with a natural gait aided by a walker, at times without the digital bridge activated. The procedure further opens the possibility for victims of paralysis to regain control of their legs, with researchers hoping to reduce the size and invasiveness of the implants. Learn more about the group's founder here.

Here's the video from the "see documentary" link above:

Walking naturally after spinal cord injury using a brain–spine interface - Nature

A reliable digital bridge restored communication between the brain and spinal cord and enabled natural walking in a participant with spinal cord injury.

www.nature.com

This is only a bit cycling-related, but it's pretty inspirational, and it's the first step towards curing paralysis.

At 9:00 in the video, he has a pretty cool handicapped trike; it's The Netherlands, after all. (biking capital of the world)

 

[Snoop]

That’s very cool! Thanks for sharing, @Smaug.

Maybe Elon is onto something after all.