PETPOSITIVE SAYS:
That's absolutely right, folks - and we're not speaking through our noses here!
This latest technology is a wonderful example of how technology is being used and assisting to improve the quality of life for all people with disabilites.
In fact, that's the way that it really should be.
However, what I sadly find here in Malaysia is most of us don't realise this. We only seem to concentrate on making things more convenient for the able-bodied - often times to extreme extremes!
Tomorrow we're running a story from Wheel Power that focuses on how the blind are being able to get on the Internet through the latest and advanced software.
However, our local telcos and service providers are still largely ignorant about how such gizmos can make a difference in the lives of the handicapped.
When their services should really be provided free of charge - to help the handicapped catch up with the rest of the society, they make such technology expensive for them.
So do remember to check out tomorrow's article in Wheel Power in The Star. In the meantime, read this great story from BBC Online.
aNt
PET+BLOGSPOT
30 July 2010 Last updated at 15:33 GMT BBC ONLINE
That's absolutely right, folks - and we're not speaking through our noses here!
This latest technology is a wonderful example of how technology is being used and assisting to improve the quality of life for all people with disabilites.
In fact, that's the way that it really should be.
However, what I sadly find here in Malaysia is most of us don't realise this. We only seem to concentrate on making things more convenient for the able-bodied - often times to extreme extremes!
Tomorrow we're running a story from Wheel Power that focuses on how the blind are being able to get on the Internet through the latest and advanced software.
However, our local telcos and service providers are still largely ignorant about how such gizmos can make a difference in the lives of the handicapped.
When their services should really be provided free of charge - to help the handicapped catch up with the rest of the society, they make such technology expensive for them.
So do remember to check out tomorrow's article in Wheel Power in The Star. In the meantime, read this great story from BBC Online.
aNt
PET+BLOGSPOT
30 July 2010 Last updated at 15:33 GMT BBC ONLINE
'Sniff code' device controls wheelchair
Scientists have developed a device that allows people with severe disabilities to control a wheelchair by sniffing.
Researchers from Israel have also used it to help patients who are completely paralysed to communicate.
Sniffing is controlled by the soft palette, which receives signals directly from the brain rather than from the spinal column.
The team said it allowed paralysed people to communicate, in one woman's case for the first time in 10 years.
Noam Sobel, professor of neurobiology at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, said his team was able to build a "sniff controller" by taking advantage of the fact that soft palette is controlled by signals from cranial nerves.
"In fact, it is really simplistic, it is one of the things that I like about our project in that it is low-tech," he told the BBC's Science in Action programme.
"We hypothesised that people would be able to control their soft palette, therefore sniff despite severe injuries."
The control device works by placing a small rubber tube in front of the nostrils, which measures changes in pressure in the nose.
"It enabled paraplegic participants to drive an electric wheelchair through a 'sniff code' as it where," Professor Sobel explained.
"They became surprisingly proficient surprisingly fast, so it turns out to be a very intuitive and easy way to control devices."
Scientists have developed a device that allows people with severe disabilities to control a wheelchair by sniffing.
Researchers from Israel have also used it to help patients who are completely paralysed to communicate.
Sniffing is controlled by the soft palette, which receives signals directly from the brain rather than from the spinal column.
The team said it allowed paralysed people to communicate, in one woman's case for the first time in 10 years.
Noam Sobel, professor of neurobiology at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, said his team was able to build a "sniff controller" by taking advantage of the fact that soft palette is controlled by signals from cranial nerves.
"In fact, it is really simplistic, it is one of the things that I like about our project in that it is low-tech," he told the BBC's Science in Action programme.
"We hypothesised that people would be able to control their soft palette, therefore sniff despite severe injuries."
The control device works by placing a small rubber tube in front of the nostrils, which measures changes in pressure in the nose.
"It enabled paraplegic participants to drive an electric wheelchair through a 'sniff code' as it where," Professor Sobel explained.
"They became surprisingly proficient surprisingly fast, so it turns out to be a very intuitive and easy way to control devices."
PET+BLOGSPOT is an ACTIVE ONLINE BLOG of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive). We strive to keep our reports and stories CURRENT, ACCURATE and RELIABLE. We offer both local and foreign news on animals, disability and the elderly. PET+BLOGSPOT was first established in October 2007. Our hits since then is now 50,000 and counting. PET+BLOGSPOT is updated daily. Sometimes even twice and three times a day. Kindly take note that views expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of PETPOSITIVE. You may also visit our Webpage by browsing: www.petpositive.com.my You can also find us in Facebook as PETPOSITIVE EMPOWERMENT. Thank you for your support.
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