Gert-Jan Oskam was living in China in 2011 when he was paralysed from the hips down in a bike accident. Scientists have restored control in&nbsp;his lower body using a variety of devices.&nbsp;

“For 12 years I’ve been trying to get back my feet.&nbsp;Now I have learned how to walk normal, natural,”&nbsp;Oskam said in a press briefing on Tuesday, reported the New York Times.

Researchers in Switzerland demonstrated implants that allowed a "digital bridge" between Oskam's brain and spinal cord, bypassing injured regions, in a report published on Wednesday in the journal Nature. 
 
Oskam, 40, was able to stand, walk, and scale a steep slope with the use of a walker thanks to the discovery. &nbsp;He has preserved these abilities more than a year after the implant was put and has even shown evidence of neurological healing, walking with crutches even after the device was turned off.

“We’ve captured the thoughts of Gert-Jan, and translated these thoughts into a stimulation of the spinal cord to re-establish voluntary movement,” Grégoire Courtine, a spinal cord specialist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, who helped lead the research, said at the press briefing.

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“It was quite science fiction in the beginning for me, but it became true today,” said&nbsp;Jocelyne Bloch, a neuroscientist at the University of Lausanne who placed the implant in Oskam.

<h2>The brain-spine interface</h2>

Oskam had previously undergone stimulation operations and had even regained some capacity to walk, but his progress eventually&nbsp;plateaued. Oskam stated at the press conference that these stimulation technologies had left him with the impression that there was something strange about his mobility, an unnatural gap between his mind and body.

The brain-spine interface, as the researchers dubbed it, used an artificial intelligence thinking decoder to interpret Oskam's intentions — observable as electrical impulses in his brain — and connect them to muscular movements in the latest study. The aetiology of natural movement was retained, from idea to purpose to action.

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The researchers initially implanted electrodes in Oskam's skull and spine to obtain this outcome. The scientists then used a machine-learning programme to see which areas of his brain lighted up when he attempted to move various portions of his body. This thinking decoder was able to correlate the activity of specific electrodes with specific goals.

The researchers then used another algorithm to link the brain implant to the spinal implant, which was programmed to transmit electrical signals to various regions of his body, causing movement. The programme could accommodate for minor differences in the direction and speed of each muscle contraction and relaxation.&nbsp;

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Gert-Jan Oskam was living in China in 2011 when he was paralysed from the hips down in a bike accident. Scientists have restored control in his lower body using a variety of devices.

Gert-Jan Oskam was living in China in 2011 when he was paralysed from the hips down in a bike accident. Scientists have restored control in his lower body using a variety of devices. “For 12 years I’ve been trying to get back my feet. Now I have learned how to walk normal, natural,” Oskam said in a press briefing on Tuesday, reported the New York Times. Researchers in Switzerland demonstrated implants that allowed a "digital bridge" between Oskam's brain and spinal cord, bypassing injured regions, in a report published on Wednesday in the journal Nature. Oskam, 40, was able to stand, walk, and scale a steep slope with the use of a walker thanks to the discovery. He has preserved these abilities more than a year after the implant was put and has even shown evidence of neurological healing, walking with crutches even after the device was turned off. “We’ve captured the thoughts of Gert-Jan, and translated these thoughts into a stimulation of the spinal cord to re-establish voluntary movement,” Grégoire Courtine, a spinal cord specialist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, who helped lead the research, said at the press briefing. ALSO READ | Recycling of plastics can generate large amounts of microplastics: Study “It was quite science fiction in the beginning for me, but it became true today,” said Jocelyne Bloch, a neuroscientist at the University of Lausanne who placed the implant in Oskam. The brain-spine interface Oskam had previously undergone stimulation operations and had even regained some capacity to walk, but his progress eventually plateaued. Oskam stated at the press conference that these stimulation technologies had left him with the impression that there was something strange about his mobility, an unnatural gap between his mind and body. The brain-spine interface, as the researchers dubbed it, used an artificial intelligence thinking decoder to interpret Oskam's intentions — observable as electrical impulses in his brain — and connect them to muscular movements in the latest study. The aetiology of natural movement was retained, from idea to purpose to action. ALSO READ | 'Super fertile' woman gets pregnant twice in 28 days, delivers both babies on same day The researchers initially implanted electrodes in Oskam's skull and spine to obtain this outcome. The scientists then used a machine-learning programme to see which areas of his brain lighted up when he attempted to move various portions of his body. This thinking decoder was able to correlate the activity of specific electrodes with specific goals. The researchers then used another algorithm to link the brain implant to the spinal implant, which was programmed to transmit electrical signals to various regions of his body, causing movement. The programme could accommodate for minor differences in the direction and speed of each muscle contraction and relaxation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Big step forward! Brain, spine implants help paralysed man walk again

Cooper Roberts, an 8-year-old boy suffered a severed spinal cord from a gunshot wound to his chest in the July Fourth attack on a Chicago-area parade that left seven dead, a family spokesman said on Thursday, with his twin brother and mother also wounded. He was one of the most gravely wounded among dozens of people who survived gunshots and other injuries in the Highland Park Independence Day assault, underscoring the physical and emotional devastation that goes beyond the lives lost in such violence, as reported by Reuters.

He was listed on Thursday in critical but stable condition while still breathing on a ventilator, a family spokesman said. It wasn't immediately clear how many of at least 46 people sent to hospitals after the attack have since been released. Cooper's twin brother, Luke, was hospitalized with shrapnel wounds in his lower body but discharged after doctors removed some of the debris. The boys' mother, Keely Roberts, suffered gunshot wounds to her legs and feet, the spokesman, Anthony Loizzi, told reporters on a Zoom call.

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The twins attended the parade with both parents, with the father, Jason Roberts, unhurt. Due to the severity of his spinal cord injury, doctors are unsure whether Cooper will ever walk again, according to Loizzi, a colleague of the mother, who is superintendent of a Lake County elementary school district. Cooper, a normally "very active" child with a passion for baseball and other sports, has remained unconscious and under sedation, since he was airlifted to the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Loizzi said.

The mother, who underwent at least two surgeries herself, was so distraught at Cooper's condition that she insisted on being released on Wednesday, sooner than doctors felt was best until her bleeding was under greater control, in order to be with her son at the children's hospital, Loizzi said. The boy has undergone several operations, including one on Wednesday night in which surgeons "finally closed his belly," the spokesman said.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Cooper Roberts, an 8-year-old boy suffered a severed spinal cord from a gunshot wound to his chest in the July Fourth attack on a Chicago-area parade that left seven dead, a family spokesman said on Thursday, with his twin brother and mother also wounded.

Cooper Roberts, an 8-year-old boy suffered a severed spinal cord from a gunshot wound to his chest in the July Fourth attack on a Chicago-area parade that left seven dead, a family spokesman said on Thursday, with his twin brother and mother also wounded. He was one of the most gravely wounded among dozens of people who survived gunshots and other injuries in the Highland Park Independence Day assault, underscoring the physical and emotional devastation that goes beyond the lives lost in such violence, as reported by Reuters. He was listed on Thursday in critical but stable condition while still breathing on a ventilator, a family spokesman said. It wasn't immediately clear how many of at least 46 people sent to hospitals after the attack have since been released. Cooper's twin brother, Luke, was hospitalized with shrapnel wounds in his lower body but discharged after doctors removed some of the debris. The boys' mother, Keely Roberts, suffered gunshot wounds to her legs and feet, the spokesman, Anthony Loizzi, told reporters on a Zoom call. Also Read: Watch: Chinese company under fire for ice cream that doesn't melt The twins attended the parade with both parents, with the father, Jason Roberts, unhurt. Due to the severity of his spinal cord injury, doctors are unsure whether Cooper will ever walk again, according to Loizzi, a colleague of the mother, who is superintendent of a Lake County elementary school district. Cooper, a normally "very active" child with a passion for baseball and other sports, has remained unconscious and under sedation, since he was airlifted to the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Loizzi said. The mother, who underwent at least two surgeries herself, was so distraught at Cooper's condition that she insisted on being released on Wednesday, sooner than doctors felt was best until her bleeding was under greater control, in order to be with her son at the children's hospital, Loizzi said. The boy has undergone several operations, including one on Wednesday night in which surgeons "finally closed his belly," the spokesman said. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

8-year-old boy left with severed spinal cord in Highland Park parade shooting is stable now

A 13-year-old girl from Jordan with a spinal deformity became the first person in the Gulf region to receive a ‘new spine made of rope’. According to media reports, the first vertebral body tethering (VBT) operation was performed on Salma Naser Nawayseh on Saturday at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai.

In the surgery performed last week, a piece of rope was run down the entire length of her spine. Then, screws were inserted into each section of the spine to assist in producing the proper tension on the rope and correcting the curve, according to the Gulf News.

The operation was touted as a success as Salma was seen making a remarkable recovery following her operation. She is not only back to walking, but she also plans to return to tennis soon.

VBT is currently practised only in a handful of countries, including the US, France, and Germany.

It was in April that&nbsp;Salma's parents noticed an unusual curve in her spine. They were later shocked to find out that their 13-year-old daughter had scoliosis—a condition in which there is an abnormal lateral curve of the spine.

According to doctors, she suffered deformity of the back with shortening of the trunk, lower back hump, unlevelled pelvis, and back pain.

Scoliosis develops in early childhood, but its onset is witnessed in children aged between 10 and 15 years, occurring equally among both genders.

If left untreated, moderate to severe scoliosis can lead to pain, increasing deformity, and potential heart and lung problems.

Though spinal fusion is the most common surgery performed to treat scoliosis, it limits spinal mobility and subsequent growth.

In 2019, the USFDA approved a new treatment called Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT), a minimally invasive technique that allows for continued growth without fusion while preserving motion and flexibility.

The new treatment enables fusion-less spine correction, allowing the patient to experience the full range of motion and further growth. Its other advantages include discreet incisions, minimal trauma, fewer complications, and faster healing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A 13-year-old girl from Jordan with a spinal deformity became the first person in the Gulf region to receive a ‘new spine made of rope’. According to media reports, the first vertebral body tethering (VBT) operation was performed on Salma Naser Nawayseh on Saturday at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai.

A 13-year-old girl from Jordan with a spinal deformity became the first person in the Gulf region to receive a ‘new spine made of rope’. According to media reports, the first vertebral body tethering (VBT) operation was performed on Salma Naser Nawayseh on Saturday at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai. In the surgery performed last week, a piece of rope was run down the entire length of her spine. Then, screws were inserted into each section of the spine to assist in producing the proper tension on the rope and correcting the curve, according to the Gulf News. The operation was touted as a success as Salma was seen making a remarkable recovery following her operation. She is not only back to walking, but she also plans to return to tennis soon. VBT is currently practised only in a handful of countries, including the US, France, and Germany. It was in April that Salma's parents noticed an unusual curve in her spine. They were later shocked to find out that their 13-year-old daughter had scoliosis—a condition in which there is an abnormal lateral curve of the spine. According to doctors, she suffered deformity of the back with shortening of the trunk, lower back hump, unlevelled pelvis, and back pain. Scoliosis develops in early childhood, but its onset is witnessed in children aged between 10 and 15 years, occurring equally among both genders. If left untreated, moderate to severe scoliosis can lead to pain, increasing deformity, and potential heart and lung problems. Though spinal fusion is the most common surgery performed to treat scoliosis, it limits spinal mobility and subsequent growth. In 2019, the USFDA approved a new treatment called Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT), a minimally invasive technique that allows for continued growth without fusion while preserving motion and flexibility. The new treatment enables fusion-less spine correction, allowing the patient to experience the full range of motion and further growth. Its other advantages include discreet incisions, minimal trauma, fewer complications, and faster healing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

In a first in Gulf, 13-year-old girl gets new spine 'made of rope’

Ever wonder what would it be like to have a pain-free life? Scientists have now found a way to switch off a pain-related gene, a discovery that could help people who suffering from chronic pain or other severe pain-related ailments.&nbsp;

The technique involves altering a person's DNA in a way that pain signals are not transmitted to the spine.

The treatment, which is devised by a California-based startup, could get approval in the next five years.&nbsp;

People suffering from chronic pain are treated with a range of medications and therapies for better pain management and to alleviate the pain.&nbsp;

From anti-neuropathic, non-opioid medicines, opioid analgesics, coanalgesics to adjuvant medicines, among other modes of treatments, chronic pain management involve a host of medicinal mediums, surgical intervention, et cetera.&nbsp;

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) states that some studies estimate the prevalence of chronic pain between 11 per cent to 40 per cent.

In 2016, it was estimated that around 20.4 per cent American adults suffered from chronic pain while about 8 per cent battled high-impact chronic pain.

The new technique therefore raises hopes for people with chronic pain. The technique was devised by conducting studies on mice which showed that quietening the pain gene - by altering a DNA - can cut off the transmission of pain signals to the spine.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Ever wonder what would it be like to have a pain-free life? Scientists have now found a way to switch off a pain-related gene, a discovery that could help people who suffering from chronic pain or other severe pain-related ailments.

Ever wonder what would it be like to have a pain-free life? Scientists have now found a way to switch off a pain-related gene, a discovery that could help people who suffering from chronic pain or other severe pain-related ailments. The technique involves altering a person's DNA in a way that pain signals are not transmitted to the spine. The treatment, which is devised by a California-based startup, could get approval in the next five years. People suffering from chronic pain are treated with a range of medications and therapies for better pain management and to alleviate the pain. From anti-neuropathic, non-opioid medicines, opioid analgesics, coanalgesics to adjuvant medicines, among other modes of treatments, chronic pain management involve a host of medicinal mediums, surgical intervention, et cetera. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) states that some studies estimate the prevalence of chronic pain between 11 per cent to 40 per cent. In 2016, it was estimated that around 20.4 per cent American adults suffered from chronic pain while about 8 per cent battled high-impact chronic pain. The new technique therefore raises hopes for people with chronic pain. The technique was devised by conducting studies on mice which showed that quietening the pain gene - by altering a DNA - can cut off the transmission of pain signals to the spine.

Hopes for many battling chronic pain as scientists discover technique to silence pain gene 

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