US scientists invent mind-controlled prosthetic limbs

According to foreign media reports, scientists at Northwestern University in the United States recently invented a prosthesis that can be controlled by mind and is expected to be promoted to more patients.

All modern prosthetic limbs can be considered high-tech, but Jesse Sullivan, who was in the trial, was luckier. The prosthetic limb he used can be controlled by thoughts instead of the usual motors.

The principle of this new prosthesis comes from a breakthrough in neurological cognition: the nerves in the stump can remain healthy for a short period of time after amputation.

When he thinks about moving his chest muscles, the nerves connected to his arm receive signals and are sent to the prosthesis via a computer.

Scientists are investigating how the brain forms new circuits to control artificial limbs, and have found that if nerves in stumps are connected to healthy muscles, brain signals can be amplified to control artificial limbs.

The research team fine-tuned the system that interprets brain signals, allowing patients to manipulate the prosthesis over a wider range.

For most amputees, the nerves gradually become useless because they are no longer used to control muscles. But in Mr. Sullivan's experiment, the signal was enhanced. Scientists use computers to interpret nerve signals instead of muscles, and the brain will slowly adapt and form new circuits.