Walk Again Project
Neuroscience Research Kicks Off World Cup
Posted on by Dr. Francis Collins
Caption: During my recent trip to Brazil, I visited the lab of neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis to check out the device that he and his colleagues unveiled at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.
Credits: Fogarty International Center, FIFA World Cup, Walk Again Project
More than a billion people all around the globe got their first look at cutting edge neuroscience research in action today when a paraplegic youth wearing a thought-controlled, robotic exoskeleton kicked a ball to launch the 2014 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in São Paulo, Brazil.
While much work remains before this or similar devices become widely available to people with paralysis, today’s moment does provide an inspiring glimpse of just one of the many things that can be achieved when science is supported over the long haul. In fact, the dramatic debut of this robotic exoskeleton was grounded in more than 20 years of scientific studies, including basic research supported by NIH and clinical research funded by the Brazilian government.
