Controlled by thought in the virtual world

For the first time, a man with paralysis but still active brain waves has created a virtual character online, according to Japanese researchers.

The 41-year-old used his imagination to create a walkable character and talked to another virtual person on the famous Second Life website.

The patient has been paralyzed for over 30 years and can hardly fold his fingers due to the effects of a muscle disease. He can not use a computer mouse or keyboard in the usual way.

In his experiments, he wears a hat with three electrodes that monitor the waves of the brain in relation to the arms and legs. Even so, he could not move his legs. Therefore, he must imagine how his character will walk.

According to researchers at Keio University in Japan, he talks to other characters through an attached microphone.

This is the first time a paraplegic patient has met and talked successfully with others in the virtual world.

The 41-year-old patient is using brainwaves to control his character in Second Life. (Photo: AFP)

According to Junichi Ushiba, an assistant professor of biology and computer science at Keio University, scientists are studying the system to help patients text with selected letters in mind.

"In the near future, they will be able to shop at Second Life with their brain waves and just click to make a purchase," Ushiba said.

Second Life is a virtual world where people and animals are animated and can do all kinds of social activities, including shopping.

Ushiba says Second Life encourages paralyzed patients to overcome the disease in order to participate in rehabilitation activities.