He has been experimenting with the idea of collecting signals straight from the brain's motor cortex and using them to direct mechanical devices such as artificial arms and even wheelchairs.

ECONOMIST: We can rebuild him. We have the technology

It consisted of a 100-electrode panel about the size of a baby aspirin that was placed on the surface of the brain at a fold in the motor cortex where hand movement is controlled.

FORBES: Technology

He discovered that if a person who has long been paralyzed thinks "move my arm to the left, " the region in the brain responsible for moving arms--the motor cortex--fires away as if everything were connected.

FORBES: Technology

The motor cortex is one of the better-understood parts of the brain.

ECONOMIST: An experiment on rats brings hope to the paralysed