The Cyborg Revolution

Advances in Brain/Body Control

Produced by NHK

Cyborg technology is a revolutionary development in rehabilitation medicine. It allows the brain and nervous system to manipulate specially engineered devices that help people regain the use of impaired body function. Once a dream of science fiction, this revolutionary technology is now becoming a reality.

Getting the most attention is "neuro-engineering," which enables messages from the brain to be transmitted to machines. Cochlear implants for the deaf have been developed for children, and even for adults who have lived in the deaf culture all their lives. Prosthetic arms can now replace lost limbs and artificial eyes can help the blind. We meet a man from Tennessee who lost his arms but can now perform activities using his bionic arms. A blind man wears glasses that are connected to a computer which he wears on his waist, allowing him to see the shapes of objects. Directly connected to the brain, these prosthetics and devices are truly life-enhancing.

Deep brain stimulation can help stop the violent shaking of victims of Parkinson's Disease. One of neuro-engineering's future goals is to control emotions and feelings. It is already being used to treat brain disorders such as pathological depression. We hear from two professors from the State University of New York and Duke University who discuss their cutting-edge research.

51 min. Video or DVD. Sale $295. Video rental $85.