Bridging a spinal injury

Restored motion

Partial lesion prevents brain signals reaching the right leg

4

Brain is now connected to working nerves that control the right leg, allowing the monkey to walk

3

Computer decodes motor intention and sends instructions to a pulse generator implanted beyond

the lesion

2

Implant in the motor cortex, the brain's movement centre, records activity and sends the signals wirelessly to computer

1

Movement signals from the monkey's brain are interrupted when the spinal cord is broken

Restored motion

Partial lesion prevents brain signals reaching the right leg

4

Brain is now connected to working nerves that control the right leg, allowing the monkey to walk

3

Computer decodes motor intention and sends instructions to a pulse generator implanted beyond the lesion

2

Implant in the motor cortex, the brain's movement centre, records activity and sends the signals wirelessly to computer

1

Movement signals from the monkey's brain are interrupted when the spinal cord is broken

Restored motion

Partial lesion prevents brain signals reaching the right leg

4

Brain is now connected to working nerves that control the right leg, allowing the monkey to walk

3

Computer decodes motor intention and sends instructions to a pulse generator implanted beyond

the lesion

2

Implant in the motor cortex, the brain's movement centre, records activity and sends the signals wirelessly to computer

1

Movement signals from the monkey's brain are interrupted when the spinal cord is broken