Brain-computer interfaces 'could help damaged spinal cords'RSS Feed

Using brain-computer interfaces to help people with spinal cord injuries is becoming a reality, it has been asserted.

In the group's blog, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation noted it currently funds a number of investigations in this field.

From laboratory based molecular biology to applied clinical research, the organisation is helping to explore how technology could make up the lack of connection between a severed spinal cord and the brain.

"Once considered science fiction, functional, complex brain-computer interfaces are now quickly on the way to becoming reality," stated the foundation.

Projects the group is financially contributing to include the work of Dr Eberhard Fetz at the University of Washington and the University of California's Dr Jose Carmena's studies.

The foundation was set up to carry on the work of Christopher Reeve – the actor who played Superman. After a horse riding accident left him paralysed in 1995, he fought to get better research and treatment for those with spinal cord injuries.

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