Cure For Paralysis Coming

This article doesn't talk about it, but this year the first biocompatible circuitry was developed that can talk to your neurons in their own language. Along with this research, it is extremely likely that they will be able to cure paralysis in people with the most extreme spinal cord and brain injuries. Although its unlikely they will completely restore function, I would be willing to bet they won't even require a walker in the vast majority of cases. This research is just one of the many early uses for AI research, and if anyone can make the lame to walk again, its Intel. The ability to have bladder control and sensation again is just as priceless as the ability to walk or pick up a pen.

Other research is still focused on regenerating the nerves themselves, but nobody has a clue how long it will take to produce results. Even some of the fundamentals, such as how our nerves conduct signals, is still pretty damned shaky at this point. For example, our nerves seem to use soliton waves to conduct signals and are nothing like your ordinary household wiring by any stretch of the imagination.

Intel And Brown University Deploy AI To Help Paralyzed Patients Regain Movement | HotHardware

 

Found this: Brain-controlled exoskeleton allows paralyzed man to walk

 

It still doesn't allow him to feel anything and is rather cumbersome to say the least. What Intel is working on is circuitry that can implanted in the body and even powered by the body.

Another recent advancement made was in prosthetic limbs. Using something like two or three simple electrical contacts where the skin touches the prosthetic, they can give the wearer enough sensation to know where their foot or hand is and even whether something is pressing against them or whatever. The technology may seem a bit primitive, but that's the point, is that using cheap technology that can be added to even the most inexpensive third world prosthetics, they can give them the freedom to not think about walking, and just walk again much more naturally.