We can now remotely control paralyzed rats, letting them walk again: Humans are next

In the void left by the anticlimactic World Cup exoskeleton adventure, other efforts to make the paralyzed walk again are recapturing the spotlight. Chief among them is Grégoire Courtine’s research group at the EPFL in Switzerland. Their latest breakthroughs, just published in Science Translational Medicine, suggest that a more grounded approach is to repower the locomotive effort at the level of the spinal cord. The researchers were able to get the paralyzed rats to walk on their hind two legs with the help of a treadmill and harness. What makes this feat impressive is that the rats had no control over their own legs because their spinal cords were completely severed.

We can now remotely control paralyzed rats, letting them walk again: Humans are next



Project NEUWalk Closer to Clinical Trials

Hopefully this technology will someday in the not too distant future allow humans with severe spinal injuries to walk again to a fashion.

Amazing really.

a reply to: andy06shake



Oh, I know this one, this level is really hard with the evil kitty end boss.

a reply to: AntiDude

The poor wee Rat don't look too pleased all the same.

Shame we have to experiment on animals to further our own scientific endeavours. Then again given the possible applications I guess its a necessary evil.

Pic you referenced reminds me of the latest South Park game.

a reply to: andy06shake

Yes it´s for a good cause I guess.

They should take control of its little arms too and strap it with with a little machine gun.

Hmmm... Now to remotely control cats.

a reply to: andy06shake

Sounds like the evolution of MK ultra to me.

Poor rats though, animals should be free just like us and not be scientific playboys.

I want a remote controlled Ant or Termite with video/audio hookup, blaupunkt and high beams with cruise control to run around/drive inside the nest. hydraulics could be optional.


Spooky scary guys at a secret lab someplace create and release them for the Christmas gift giving season.

Wants one.

a reply to: SLAYER69



Something along the lines of the nasty little dude above is not that far beyond the realms of possibility i imagine!

a reply to: andy06shake actually we already have this link