Science Café Cleveland presents:
Decoding the Brain to Restore Movement after Paralysis
March 11, 2019
FEATURING:
Bolu Ajiboye, PhD
Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University
EVENT INFORMATION:
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are devices that allow for the direct reading/writing of information to and from the brain—even at the resolution of single neurons! This technology can provide persons with chronic paralysis a means to command devices, using only direct brain signals, to restore communication and movement. Over the last six years, Professor Ajiboye's clinical trial at Case Western Reserve University has investigated the combination of BCI with functional electrical stimulation (FES) technology to give an individual with chronic tetraplegia (complete paralysis below the neck) the ability to command functional movements of his own arm and hand to bypass his spinal cord injury.
This talk will highlight the history and inner-workings of BCIs, show the restorative FES movements demonstrated in our clinical trial, and discuss the technological and ethical considerations surrounding future possible uses of BCIs for medical applications—and even human augmentation.
LINKS OF INTEREST:
Read about Professor Ajiboye's research at the Cleveland FES Center's website, here: http://fescenter.org/about-fes-center/who-we-are/investigators/ajiboye-a-bolu-phd
CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK PICKS:
If the discussion topic for this month's Science Café gets your gears turning, and you're interested in continuing your quest for information, click here for just a small sample of what's available at the Cleveland Public Library on the subject and/or related topics.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHERE:
The Music Box Supper Club - Concert Hall
1148 Main Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
WHEN:
March 11, 2019
Doors will be open 5:30–9:00 pm (last call at 8:45pm). Presentation and discussion is from 7:00–8:00pm. The Concert Hall will also host a limited menu before and during the event, not to mention a full bar! (Click here to view menu). Come early, get a good seat, grab a bite and a beverage, and enjoy the discussion!
WHO:
Sponsored by Case Western Reserve University chapter of Sigma Xi, WCPN ideastream, and the Music Box Supper Club.
