The Amazing Advancements of Neurotechnology

Humans have the most interesting and most complex brain that has been ever studied. What makes humans so different than other animals, including primates, is the amazing fact that we humans have a very developed cortex. As seen in the picture below, the human brain is more intricate and developed than that of different primate species.  The human brain is what allows us to be who we are. We are able to speak, interact, think and comprehend complex ideas that would not be possible for other animals to grasp. This interesting organ (the brain) and the spinal cord are what constitute the Central Nervous System. The spinal cord is what allows information to go to and fro other parts of the body, including but not limited to, limbs and organs. When the spinal cord is injured, however, it makes it difficult for the brain to send and receive the information that is necessary for the body to function properly.

 

https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/gif/front3.jpg

Unfortunately, there are times when people suffer accidents that leave them paralyzed, either partially, or fully (they become quadriplegic). This occurs when the spinal cord is damaged or severed. Depending on where the injury occurs, there are different symptoms ranging from “loss of muscle strength and loss of bowel, bladder, and sexual function, to loss of sensation” (merckmanuals.com).  Unfortunately, these symptoms are temporary but sometimes can be permanent. In a recent article in CNN, Carina Storrs wrote about a prosthetic hand that “tells the brain what it is touching” (CNN). This technology, although new, is promising for future generations. This prosthetic hand “relies on implanting electrode arrays in the brain” (CNN). Although prosthetic limbs have been conventionally used for patients who have lost a limb, this prosthetic hand is not attached to the patient’s body, but rather, they have electrodes implanted into their brain (more specifically the motor cortex, which is where the nerve impulses initiate voluntary muscular activity), which ultimately allows the patient to move this prosthetic hand. 

http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5356a5e5eab8eae2439bb139-1200-858/s3_drinking.jpg

The picture above illustrates the patient with a tiny box on top of her head. This box contains electrodes that were surgically implanted into her brain. This then allows the patient to successfully move the prosthetic hand, allowing her to drink from the cup. As seen above, the arm is only connected through those electrodes implanted into her brain. Surgery that implants electrodes into the human brain is relatively new. This technique is only used when absolutely necessary. In which this case, it is. 

            In the CNN article, the researchers wanted to take this one step further. They wanted to see if it was possible for the patient to feel what the prosthetic hand was feeling. Amazingly, it was possible! The researchers “implanted an electrode into both his motor cortex and sensory cortex, the brain region that recognizes tactile sensations such as texture and pressure” (CNN). When the surgery was complete, the researchers blindfolded the patient, and put pressure on the fingers. With almost 100% accuracy, the patient correctly described which finger it was that the researchers were pressing.

            Although this is a big step in the neuroscience technology industry, this prosthetic is not ready to be sold yet. As stated in the article, “once… [the]electrode [is inserted] into the brain,  [the patient] develop[s] scarring around the electrode, and that makes it increasingly difficult to pick up the signals it needs to pick up” (CNN). Although this technology is not yet ready to enter the market, the researchers have done an extraordinary job with finding new ways in which paralyzed people can feel, touch, and do things that they thought would be impossible.

Link to CNN article “Prosthetic hand ‘tells’ the brain what it is touching” By: Carina Storrs:

 http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/15/health/prosthetic-hand-senses-touch/index.html

Link to Merck Manual (“Injuries of the Spinal Cord and Vertebrae”):

http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/injuries-and-poisoning/spinal-injuries/injuries-of-the-spinal-cord-and-vertebrae