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Nature 442, 141-142 (13 July 2006) | doi:10.1038/442141a; Published online 12 July 2006

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Neuroscience: Converting thoughts into action

Stephen H. Scott1

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There is a clear need to help people who have brain or spinal-cord damage to communicate and interact with the outside world. Progress to that end is being made with brain-implantation technology.

Using our thoughts to control a computer or robot used to be the realm of science-fiction writers. But scientists have been making concerted efforts to develop the technology required to convert brain signals into commands, to support communication, mobility and independence for paralysed people.

  1. Stephen H. Scott is at the Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
    Email: steve@biomed.queensu.ca

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