This computer makes it possible for paralyzed patients to communicate

One of the great benefits of the computer age? Easy communication across great distances.

But some people can't even speak with people right next to them. To help solve that problem, researchers in Europe have developed a device that helps paralyzed patients communicate. But how does it work?

In IT Blogwatch, we listen.

So what is going on? Renee Morad has the background:

Patients with complete locked-in syndrome experience paralysis...They cannot move, speak...or even move their eyes to communicate...doctors and researchers believed...these people were unhappy with their quality of life and did not have the goal-directed thinking necessary to communicate.
...
Now, a...study conducted by researchers at the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering in Geneva, Switzerland, has...[determined]...patients with complete locked-in syndrome do obtain the goal-oriented thinking necessary to express their thoughts...and they say they're "happy," despite their condition.

How did the researchers determine the answers to those questions? Adarsh Verma has the details:

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