A study published in the journal Nature showcases the findings from research scientists at Duke University Center of Neuroengineering focusing on technology that could change lives of quadriplegics in the future.

In the study, brain-machine-brain interfaces (BMBI) were used with two monkeys to determine if the monkeys could move the virtual hands of an avatar to move virtual objects and detect differences in textures.

During the study, no part of the monkeys bodies moved - the study was purely virtual. The monkeys were able to use the electrical impulses of the neurons in their brains to move virtual objects and were able to identify differences in texture between virtual objects.

Different electrical signals were sent to the monkeys brains, which were then perceived as different textures. The hope is that one day this type of BMBI technology could be used to assist quadriplegics. As the technology and the interactions between the virtual avatar and the brain are completely independent of the subject’s physical body, this could be a promising development for these patients. For more information about this study, visit http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/235604.php.