Scientists use
brain waves to
stroll through the
virtual world. Japanese researchers say they have found a way to let
people stroll through the virtual world of Second Life using their own imagination, in a development that could help
paralysis patients.
Previous studies have shown people can move computer cursors through brain waves, but the Japanese team says it is the first to apply the
technology in an Internet virtual world.
The technology “ would enable people suffering paralysis to communicate through the virtual world”, said Junichi Ushiba, associate professor of Keio’s University rehabilitation center.
Second life is an increasing popular virtual world in which people and animals are represented by animated avatars and do everything from social activities to shopping.
Under the technology, a person wearing head gear embedded with electrodes, which analyze brain waves in the cerebral motor cortex, would be able to move a Second Life character forward by thinking he or she is walking.
Published: November 29, 2007
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