Rerouted Nerves Enable Paralyzed People to Use Hands

[Dexter]

http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/news/2015/10/rerouted-nerves-enable-paralyzed-people-use-hands

A pioneering surgical technique has restored some hand and arm movement to patients immobilized by spinal cord injuries in the neck. Like railroad switchmen, the focus is on rerouting passageways. But, instead of trains on a track, surgeons redirect peripheral nerves in a quadriplegic’s arms and hands by connecting healthy nerves to the injured nerves. Essentially, the new nerve network reintroduces conversation between the brain and the muscles that allows patients to once again accomplish tasks that foster independence, such as feeding themselves or writing with a pen.

[Oceander]

http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/news/2015/10/rerouted-nerves-enable-paralyzed-people-use-hands

A pioneering surgical technique has restored some hand and arm movement to patients immobilized by spinal cord injuries in the neck. Like railroad switchmen, the focus is on rerouting passageways. But, instead of trains on a track, surgeons redirect peripheral nerves in a quadriplegic’s arms and hands by connecting healthy nerves to the injured nerves. Essentially, the new nerve network reintroduces conversation between the brain and the muscles that allows patients to once again accomplish tasks that foster independence, such as feeding themselves or writing with a pen.

Holey cow!  That might lead to something truly amazing.