The capability to "decode the brain" now makes thought-controlled machines a reality. Even more fundamentally theses brain computer interfaces empower the mind to now heal the physical substance of the brain after stroke. Our laboratory has created brain computer interfaces that enable a person with a chronically paralyzed had to recover function by using brain signals from the uninjured side of their brain. With continued practice, while the patient's machine-empowered thoughts enable them to move their paralyzed hand, something extraordinary happens -- the patients begin to recover function.

Not one for idle time, Dr. Leuthardt is an Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery and Biomedical Engineering at Washington University School of Medicine, where he specializes in brain-mapping for patients with brain tumors and epilepsy; Director of Washington University’s Center for Innovation in Neuroscience and Technology, a collaborative collective for developing new technologies to improve neurosurgery; and a published author of the hit psychological thriller RedDevil_4.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx