Today's Article

But now he can stand up and walk, even over 3tough terrain and 4go up stairs. Technology is turning Oskam's thoughts into actions. 5Electrodes 6implanted over his brain collect signals from the region that controls movements. A computer 7analyzes them to 8predict how he wants to move and then messages electrodes implanted in his spinal cord that allow him to make those movements.

"I only have to think about movement and I can start and stop."

While electrical stimulation has helped other paralyzed patients walk again, they've had to turn on implants that send a 9continuous signal to their spinal cord. 

Oskam's success is 10documented in a new scientific paper in the journal Nature. He was the first 11participant in a 12clinical trial for the technology, and researchers are 13hopeful about 14future possibilities. He says he can walk about 110 yards depending on the day... a little more than a 15football field. He can also stand without supporting himself with his hands for a few minutes and is 16looking forward to gaining even more function.