Meets with Air Force Master Sergeant with Robotic Hand that is controlled by Brain Signals
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a hearing today on Capitol Hill, Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) discussed the importance of brain science research to help advance technologies and treatments for all Americans, but particularly wounded warriors with serious injuries and neurological disorders. The Research and Technology Subcommittee held a hearing on better understanding the frontiers and challenges of brain science research, including its potential and limitations for curing brain diseases and rehabilitating those with brain-related injuries and disorders.
During testimony, Air Force Master Sergeant Joe Deslauriers, Jr. provided members a demonstration of his neuro-prosthetic limb, which allows him to control his hand and arm with just his thoughts. Sensors on his skin detect brain signals from his nerves and use those signals to control his robotic arm and hand [photos]. Master Sergeant Deslauriers served in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician, discovering, disarming and detonating hundreds of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). In September 2011, Master Sergeant lost his left arm and both legs to an IED while helping to evacuate an injured Marine from a danger zone. He was awarded the Silver Star for his valor.
Chairman Smith: “Near my district in San Antonio, the Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center provides state of the art orthopedic and rehabilitative care to active duty soldiers of all services. I have met with many of these wounded veterans who deserve a better life.
“My district is home to several brain rehabilitation centers, including the Texas NeuroRehab Center and Reeves Rehabilitation Center. These centers threat thousands of patients who look forward to leading independent and productive lives.
“This is where the National Science Foundation (NSF) can play an important role towards understanding the basic science behind Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, autism, stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy and many other debilitating neurological disorders. NSF should support research in this area because the results will have clear and direct benefits to the American people. The results of this research could be the foundation of new technologies that help wounded warriors walk again and also improve the quality of life for many injured Americans.”
The Science Committee has jurisdiction over the NSF and helps shape the organization’s research priorities to ensure they are in the best interests of the American people.
For more information about today’s hearing, including witness testimony, please visit the Science, Space, and Technology Committee website.
