Upcoming presentation examines robotic prosthetic limbs

NEWS RELEASE
Issued - February 15, 2010

ARDMORE, Okla. — Dr. Andrew Fagg believes the day when the human brain can directly control a robotic prosthetic limb is fast approaching, and he has the monkeys to prove it.

As an associate professor of computer science and bioengineering at the University of Oklahoma, Fagg's research focuses on fusing biological and computational systems. One area of his work is the study of a monkey's motor skills as a means to construct computer models for advanced prosthetic devices.

Fagg will detail his extraordinary research and discuss the underlying issues surrounding robotic prosthetics during his presentation, Brain-Machine Interfaces: Steps Toward Direct Brain Control of Prosthetic Limbs, at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 2, at the Ardmore Convention Center.

Fagg's presentation, which will replace the previously scheduled Feb. 25 talk, is open to the public and is offered at no cost as part of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's scientific speaker series, Explorations in Science. A reception will follow the event.

"While the capabilities of modern prosthetic limbs have increased dramatically over the last two decades, the manner in which the amputees use the limbs is often a very laborious process, even with practice," Fagg said. "We're seeking to develop techniques that enable the amputee to control the prosthesis directly through a connection to the brain. We hope to accomplish this by listening to the same neurons that were originally dedicated to controlling the missing limb."

Working in collaboration with Drs. Nicho Hatsopoulos (University of Chicago) and Lee Miller (Northwestern University), Fagg demonstrates this idea in monkeys. The researchers observe how a monkey performs a task, such as reaching for a block, then construct a computer model of the relationship between the neurons being used to perform the task and the corresponding movement of the monkey's own arm.

With this model, it is possible to listen to the neurons in real time and to control the movements of a computer cursor or a robotic limb to perform similar tasks. Because these neurons are already tuned for control of the original arm, it may be possible for the amputee to use a new prosthesis with little practice.

"The implications of robotic prosthetics are historic," said Marilyn Roossinck, principal investigator at the Noble Foundation and Explorations in Science series coordinator. "Dr. Fagg and researchers studying similar aspects of this field are on the verge of revolutionizing the quality of life for amputees. Imagine the day when losing a limb does not mean losing the ability to function. Dr. Fagg's presentation promises to reveal the awe-inspiring ingenuity behind this remarkable effort."

The Explorations series will wrap up its 2009-2010 season with Fabulous Fungi: Not Just Rottin' on Thursday, April 8, 2010. As a mycologist, Noble Foundation Assistant Professor Carolyn Young studies the fascinating world of fungi. Young's lively presentation, which will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 8, 2010, at the Ardmore Convention Center, will detail how fungi play a beneficial role in our lives with some hands-on demonstrations.

For additional information about Explorations in Science, contact J. Adam Calaway, director of public relations, at 580.224.6209.

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For media inquiries concerning the Noble Foundation, please contact:

J. Adam Calaway

jacalaway@noble.org

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.