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Monkey Brains Control A Robotic Arm
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have implanted microelectrodes into the monkey's brain that measure signals and translate them into commands that move a robotic arm, in this case grabbing a marshmallow and moving the arm to the monkey's mouth. The goal of the research program is to develop prosthetic limbs for people who have suffered spinal cord injuries, lost a limb or who have limited capabilities due to disease.
The researchers have found that certain motor neurons fire in a certain way depending on which direction the monkey wants to move the robotic arm. It takes about three days for a monkey to learn how to move the arm, and the animal's limbs are gently restrained while connected to the machine so they can't grab the marshmallow themselves. After a while, they don't even try to use their arms to reach for the treat.
Once they refine the process for controlling an arm, the researchers will focus on developing a more complex wrist and jointed fingers, which will allow for more precise movement. According to one of the researchers, the monkeys are quite motivated to do their part in the experiments. "They sure like eating their marshmallows," he says.
Indeed. [Source: Reuters]
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Comments
17
Subscribe to commentsEric TousignantMay 29th 2008 2:18PM
Brilliant... and very funny :D
Eric TousignantMay 29th 2008 2:20PM
Yeah... I was first :D
But it is a very interesting study that we have here! I hope it makes it ways to help people with disabilities!
retro77May 29th 2008 2:51PM
Ok here is the scenario: monkeys controlling robots are gonna take over the world!!!
Freshprince725May 29th 2008 8:06PM
wow, two worst fears robots and robots that are controlled by monkeys.
http://realspot725.blogspot.com
check it out.
dangeo1020May 29th 2008 8:12PM
now all we have to do is find someone as smart as those monkeys
KrysMay 29th 2008 8:28PM
okay, why use innocent animals for this, try using people that are willing to have their brains screwed with. i think its a good idea, but animal testing is wrong.
JakMay 29th 2008 9:36PM
I would volinteer! I'm wondering was that arm attached to the monkey? Thats sad. I have one better, one time, was only once was to scared to do it again, I moved a pen on the table, wasnt near the table either an it was a moving table, and the pen was to heavy to move by it self and it was on a table 2 to 3 feet away! I foucused my mind/energy on moving the pen and ........ it took a few mins but it really moved! It didnt move a foot or anything but it did move an inch which is um a LOT when aint no one touching it! I had many dreams of moving things with just my mind too so I tried it an........ it really happened! Scared me so much I didnt try it anymore but now I know it really is possible.
Real BoyMay 29th 2008 8:35PM
Then you test it...
Marcie LarsonMay 29th 2008 8:51PM
I don't believe in torturing animals for medical research because, DUH, they are a different species from us and many times what works on an animal does not work on humans. It is cruel and unnecessary.
mary annMay 29th 2008 9:16PM
SORRY, BUT I THINK USE OF ANIMALS FOR ANY KIND OF TESTING IS AWFUL! USE HUMANS, THEY CAN AT LEAST SAY NAY OR YEA FOR THEMSELVES!
JakMay 29th 2008 9:42PM
Meant to say wasn't a moving table.
jpriggejrMay 30th 2008 2:00AM
scienctist always think they are smarter than everyone. and when they get it wrong it can't always be fixed. be very careful about giving out intelegence to somthing artificial. remember what we imagine can come true. star trek helped to advance our world in a positive way. i don't want the predator movie to come true.
Professor XMay 30th 2008 2:40AM
Don't Let Evolution Make a Monkey Out of You!
http://www.evolutionfacts.blogspot.com
peta_guyMay 31st 2008 9:37AM
Animal testing is DEAD wrong!
NancyMay 31st 2008 12:51PM
How did the Monkey lose his arm? Was it amputated for this experiment? Animal testing is wrong.
sherryMay 31st 2008 3:12PM
THIS IS SICK!! ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE USED AS EXPERIMENTS!!! WHEN WILL MAN STOP THIS ABUSE TO ANIMALS!! THIS IS SICKENING
sherryMay 31st 2008 3:17PM
MONKEY'S SHOULD NOT EAT MARSHMELLOWS!!! THESE CRAZY SCIENTISTS.......HORRIBLE...THE MONKEY WAS PROBABLY NOT FEED FOR DAYS...SICK, SICK, SICK HUMANS..THEY SHOULD IMPLANT THEIR OWN CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!