New tech enables paralyzed man to move and feel again

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An exclusive account of how a quadriplegic man regained movement and sense of touch thanks to new technology By Brian Braganza Video Producer I tried to imagine an accident that suddenly left me paralyzed from the chest down, being thrust into a world where I’m told I cannot walk for the rest of my life and that simple gestures like being able to feel things with my hands are no longer a possibility. I tried to imagine what it would be like if, three years after being paralyzed, I was able to regain my sense of touch and feel my loved ones again. I tried to imagine this because this was the reality for Keith Thomas—the subject of a written and video story TIME published this morning—who broke his neck during a diving accident in 2020 and then, with the help of a new clinical trial led by researchers from Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, recently had some of his paralysis reversed. Thomas has participated in a novel clinical trial that aims to restore lasting gains in his mobility and sense of touch. Unlike previous methods of stimulating limb mobility, this double neural bypass links the brain, spinal cord, and body in a way that allows him to move his arms and feel in his hands, even without being attached to external devices. There are still very real physical challenges for Thomas. Basic tasks like moving up and down a flight of stairs requires assistance from a family member and a specially outfitted lift in his home. But what struck me about Thomas's story is how incremental improvements, like restoring the ability to feel the hands of a loved one after not being able to for three years, can have monumental impacts on a person’s life and wellbeing. READ MORE AND WATCH THE VIDEO Share This Story

What Else to Read What to Know About Heat Domes—and How Long They Last By Solcyre Burga The current heat dome has been impacting the country for more than a month. Read More » Nearly 200 Million People in U.S. Are Under Heat or Flood Advisories By DREW COSTLEY / AP Around 60% of the U.S. population is under a heat advisory or flood warning or amid high temperatures and the expectation of severe storms. Read More » How Heat Waves Could Have Long-Term Impacts on Your Health By Aryn Baker Extreme heat due to climate change could increase the risk of chronic health problems like kidney disease and obesity. Read More » Cases of Tick-Borne Illnesses Are on the Rise. Some Experts Believe Climate Change is the Cause By ZOYA TEIRSTEIN / Grist/AP Studies show that several tick-borne illnesses are becoming more prevalent because of climate change. Read More » Not Even the Kardashians Can Keep Up With Their Unrealistic Beauty Standards By Cady Lang Kylie Jenner's recent comments about regretting plastic surgery can't undo years of damage. Read More »

ONE MORE READ FROM ELSEWHERE How to safely swim in somewhat questionable waters If you’re planning to cool down by jumping into a natural body of water this weekend, take heed: 57 million illnesses each year are caused by swimming in contaminated oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds in the U.S. In a new piece for the New York Times, Melinda Wenner Moyer offers tips for making your dip a safe experience. For example, heavy rain can cause sewage overflows that lead to unsafe bacterial levels—so it’s best to avoid swimming for several days after a downpour. Read More »

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