Latest news with #MiamiProjecttoCureParalysis
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Health
- Miami Herald
Miami pickleball program helping and inspiring athletes with disabilities
When Hector Perez plays pickleball, he forgets that he has two prosthetic legs. Perez, 61, lost his legs due to a combination of diabetes and the physical trauma of a motorcycle crash on Miami Beach's West Avenue 15 years ago. Not that he thinks about that when he's on a pickleball court. 'When I'm playing, I do not feel disabled,' Perez said. 'I am competing – just like anybody else. 'I'm addicted to pickleball!' Perez is one of a dozen or so men and women with disabilities who came out to Doral's Champions club once a week this summer for pickleball classes. This is the second year of the program. However, it's not a year-round thing, and the classes ended recently, in mid-July. 'We're upset,' Perez said. 'We don't want to have to wait until next year to play again.' Carlos Marquez, a 47-year-old native of Venezuela, is the pickleball coach for this program, which has been funded through the Way Forward Foundation. But if the funding runs dry, Marquez said he is willing to step up, and, in fact, he has already made calls to businesses that may be able to help. Marquez, who trains professional pickleball players, said he wouldn't trade working with people such as Perez for anything. 'Last year, we had a guy who had a stroke, and he started our program by using a walker,' Marquez said. 'By the end of the eight weeks, he was almost running. 'This year, we had two guys who had strokes. In the beginning, we had to hold them up. Now they are playing on their own. 'You can't put a price on how good that makes me feel. It's priceless.' Aside from Marquez, the other key person in this program is Ashley Herrera, a recreational therapist who works for the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth Jackson. She primarily works with people who have had spinal-cord injuries as well as amputees. One of her colleagues at Jackson works with folks who have suffered strokes or brain injuries or have other neurological conditions. 'My role is to integrate individuals into the community and to introduce them to adaptive sports because it helps them improve their physical fitness,' Herrera said. 'Our patients are working on balance, mobility and strength, and all of that can be improved by pickleball.' Herrera said that – because of pickleball – she has seen her patients feel more confident with their agility. Pickleball, compared to other sports, appears to be a good fit for Herrera's patients. 'The size of the court is easier to navigate,' Herrera said. 'The ball is light-weight, and even some of our patients with impairments in their upper extremities are still able to participate to some extent.' Beyond the improved mobility, there is also the social aspect of pickleball. Building a community is one of Herrera's goals as she aims to help her patients feel welcome among their peers. Perez, who walks three or four miles per day, agrees that the camaraderie he has found with his fellow patients has been a game-changer. 'The fact is that many people who have disabilities are lonely,' Perez said. 'But here you meet people who have brain injuries, spinal-cord injuries or, like myself, people without legs, and we come together for a common cause, to play pickleball. 'To me, the social aspect of pickleball is even greater than the physical component. I get really excited to come here.' Herrera loves to hear this type of feedback from her patients. 'That's what drives me,' Herrera said. 'That's my purpose -- to see a patient learn a new sport and to see the spark in them. 'After each session, my patients have told me about a pickleball match they saw on TV. They are genuinely interested in the sport. 'There's nothing more exhilarating than to see their efforts rewarded. It's empowering, and it's emotional to feel the gratitude of their families. I'm getting teary-eyed right now.'
New York Post
10-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Fifth paralyzed patient implanted with Elon Musk-backed Neuralink chip that allows brain to control smartphone
A fifth paralyzed patient has been implanted with a Neuralink chip backed by Elon Musk. Military veteran RJ, also known as 'P5,' suffered a spinal cord injury after a motorcycle accident that left him without the use of his arms or legs. Since his surgery in April, when a team of doctors at the University of Miami implanted a chip the size of a small coin into his brain, RJ has been able to control his smartphone and computer with his mind. Advertisement 3 RJ, or P5, speaks to NBC6 about his Neuralink brain implant. NBC 6 South Florida 'I think my favorite thing has been being able to turn on my TV,' RJ, the first patient to receive the chip at the Miami hospital, told NBC's South Florida station. Neuralink, the brain computer device company founded by Musk, partnered with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis on the procedure – and it has been a success, according to the doctor who led the surgery. Advertisement 'In its early stages, it's been very successful at allowing them to accomplish goals they could not otherwise accomplish,' Dr. Jonathan Jagid said. RJ was discharged from the hospital the day after the procedure. 'They're giving me my spark back…my drive back. They've given me my purpose back. Now, I'm able to turn around and build that fire for the next guys that come through,' RJ said. Neuralink did not immediately respond to The Post's request for comment. Advertisement RJ and the other implant patients, all of whom are paralyzed from a spinal cord injury or ALS, are taking part in a clinical trial that Neuralink launched last year known as PRIME, or Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface. 3 Elon Musk (center) and the team of doctors at the University of Miami who completed the procedure. These BCIs read the electrode signals produced by neurons in the brain and transmit them into computer commands. The closer to the brain, the more accurate the transcription – hence the implantation process. Neuralink has discussed plans to eventually help patients regain their eyesight or speech. Advertisement 'We're hoping later this year to do our first device implant for a human, enabling someone who is completely blind to see,' Musk said during an event in Wisconsin in March. 3 RJ is the first patient to receive the Neuralink chip at the Miami hospital. University of Miami 'It will start off low-res, but over time, I think eventually the implant will enable vision that is superhuman, so that will be really cool.' Several agencies have reportedly raised concerns about the safety of Neuralink's implant surgeries. The FDA questioned the safety of the device's lithium battery, the potential for the implant's tiny wires to migrate in the brain and whether the device could be removed without damaging brain tissue, according to a Reuters report in 2023. It approved Neuralink's first human clinical trial a few months later.
Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
A paralyzed patient at UM just got Elon Musk's brain chip. Here are 5 takeaways
A paralyzed military veteran, identified as RJ, has become one of the first individuals in the U.S. to receive a brain chip implant from Neuralink, a company co-founded by Elon Musk. This groundbreaking procedure is part of a clinical trial at the University of Miami aimed at helping paralyzed individuals control electronic devices with their minds. FULL STORY: Elon Musk's brain chip was put in a patient at Miami-area hospital. What to know Here are the highlights: The Neuralink chip, known as the Link or Telepathy, was implanted by surgeons at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, marking the first such procedure at a Miami hospital. The chip allows RJ to wirelessly control a computer, as demonstrated by his ability to play video games using only his who was paralyzed after a motorcycle accident, expressed that the implant has restored his sense of purpose and drive. He is among seven individuals in the U.S. who have received the implant, with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis being a key site for these clinical trials aim to test the safety and effectiveness of the chip in individuals aged 22 to 75 with paralysis from spinal cord injuries or ALS. The company has also received approval to conduct similar trials in Canada, the UK and the surgical procedure for implanting the chip is minimally invasive, utilizing a Neuralink surgical robot to insert ultra-thin threads into the brain. These threads record and transmit neural signals to a computer, enabling users to perform tasks like moving a cursor or turning on a TV. Tests are underway to see if the chip can help users control a robotic participation in the trial is seen as a significant step toward finding solutions for paralysis, with the technology offering new possibilities for improving the quality of life for those with motor deficits. His experience has been shared in demonstrations, showing the potential of the technology to transform lives. The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miami Herald newsroom. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by Miami Herald journalists.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Neuralink secures $650m in Series E to advance brain implant technology
Neuralink has secured $650m in a Series E financing round, marking a milestone in the advancement of its brain implant technology. This latest financial boost is aimed at expanding the reach of the company's devices, which are said to restore independence for individuals with severe medical conditions. The round saw contributions from a host of investors, including DFJ Growth, ARK Invest, Founders Fund, Human Capital, G42, Lightspeed, QIA, Thrive Capital, Sequoia Capital, Valor Equity Partners, and Vy Capital. Since its Series D round in August 2023, Elon Musk's Neuralink has been advancing the development of brain interfaces. According to the company, currently, five people with severe paralysis utilise Neuralink's technology to control various digital and physical devices using their thoughts alone. The company's trials are underway at neurosurgical care institutions across three countries on two continents. These comprise the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami, US, the Barrow Neurological Institute, US, the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and the University Health Network (Toronto Western Hospital), Canada. Neuralink invested in enhancing the device's interaction with a greater number of neurons and brain areas to unveil new potential dimensions. The fresh funding is set to expedite the company's drive to broaden access to patients and develop future solutions that bridge the gap between biological intelligence and AI. Musk has shifted focus back to his ventures, including Neuralink, Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, after stepping down as a special adviser to US President Donald Trump. Last November, Neuralink secured approval for the CONVOY trial to study the brain implant with an assistive robotic arm, alongside the PRIME study in the US. Additionally, Health Canada approved Neuralink's first global trial, CAN-PRIME, to assess its implantable device, with the aforementioned University Health Network hospital selected as the trial site. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration granted the company's brain-computer interface breakthrough device designation for treating individuals with severe speech impairment. "Neuralink secures $650m in Series E to advance brain implant technology" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Neuralink secures $650m in Series E to advance brain implant technology
Neuralink has secured $650m in a Series E financing round, marking a milestone in the advancement of its brain implant technology. This latest financial boost is aimed at expanding the reach of the company's devices, which are said to restore independence for individuals with severe medical conditions. The round saw contributions from a host of investors, including DFJ Growth, ARK Invest, Founders Fund, Human Capital, G42, Lightspeed, QIA, Thrive Capital, Sequoia Capital, Valor Equity Partners, and Vy Capital. Since its Series D round in August 2023, Elon Musk's Neuralink has been advancing the development of brain interfaces. According to the company, currently, five people with severe paralysis utilise Neuralink's technology to control various digital and physical devices using their thoughts alone. The company's trials are underway at neurosurgical care institutions across three countries on two continents. These comprise the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami, US, the Barrow Neurological Institute, US, the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and the University Health Network (Toronto Western Hospital), Canada. Neuralink invested in enhancing the device's interaction with a greater number of neurons and brain areas to unveil new potential dimensions. The fresh funding is set to expedite the company's drive to broaden access to patients and develop future solutions that bridge the gap between biological intelligence and AI. Musk has shifted focus back to his ventures, including Neuralink, Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, after stepping down as a special adviser to US President Donald Trump. Last November, Neuralink secured approval for the CONVOY trial to study the brain implant with an assistive robotic arm, alongside the PRIME study in the US. Additionally, Health Canada approved Neuralink's first global trial, CAN-PRIME, to assess its implantable device, with the aforementioned University Health Network hospital selected as the trial site. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration granted the company's brain-computer interface breakthrough device designation for treating individuals with severe speech impairment. "Neuralink secures $650m in Series E to advance brain implant technology" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
