Electrical brain implants that enable a patient to have ‘mind control’ of a motorized prosthetic arm. With the electrodes implanted in brain, John Hopkins’ research study “subject can control both limbs to perform simple reaching movements in a coordinated manner,” says researcher Cantarero, Ph.D., at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Paul Marasco, associate staff at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, told Engadget that   “People do not typically want to risk a brain implant to control a prosthetic.” in fact, new research shows that brain computer interface (BCI)  that transmit brain signals remotely without implants can be as strong and as effective as those that require invasive procedures.

In fact, one of Marasco’s colleagues, Dawn M. Taylor, said “There are a variety of simple and robust  noninvasive ways for people to control one- or two-dimensional movements of a prod the device besides EEGs, like head-tilt sensors, voice commands, eye trackers, sensors that convert retained-muscle activity into a directional command,” Taylor, who is also not part of this research, told Engadget. 

Johns Hopkins scientists say the electrodes can remain implanted in the brain for up to 5-years, with minimal risk of brain or skin scarring. However, like any surgery, there is risk of infections or bleeding with such brain implants.

Posted by Attorney Cullotta, a Top 100 personal injury lawyer in Glenview, IL who specializes in brain injury and spinal injury caused by another person’s negligence.