An implanted device had allowed the monkey to control the game using only her thoughts.
Changes in the way the monkey's brain cells worked suggested the brain was physically adjusting to the device, reported in the new online science journal.
Dr. Miguel Nicolelis hopes the device will eventually allow paralyzed patients to regain some ability to use their upper bodies -- virtually, if not physically.
"The monkey suddenly realized that she didn't need to move her arm at all," Nicolelis said in a statement.
"Her arm muscles went completely quiet, she kept the arm at her side and she controlled the robot arm using only her brain and visual feedback."
Three years ago, Nicolelis and colleagues at Duke University in North Carolina reported they had allowed a monkey to move a robotic arm using only her thoughts and implanted electrodes. But the monkey continued to move her arm.An implanted device had allowed the monkey to control the game using only her thoughts.
Changes in the way the monkey's brain cells worked suggested the brain was physically adjusting to the device, reported in the new online science journal.
Dr. Miguel Nicolelis hopes the device will eventually allow paralyzed patients to regain some ability to use their upper bodies -- virtually, if not physically.
"The monkey suddenly realized that she didn't need to move her arm at all," Nicolelis said in a statement.
"Her arm muscles went completely quiet, she kept the arm at her side and she controlled the robot arm using only her brain and visual feedback."
Three years ago, Nicolelis and colleagues at Duke University in North Carolina reported they had allowed a monkey to move a robotic arm using only her thoughts and implanted electrodes. But the monkey continued to move her arm.
