Physical limitations should not be a barrier to using technology. A newly developed tongue-controlled computer system enables people with severe paralysis to browse the internet, type, and interact with computers.
For individuals who lack the use of their hands and legs or have extremely limited mobility, using a computer is a major challenge. According to specialists from the University of Alabama in the United States, more than 250,000 people in the U.S. alone live with spinal cord injuries. Approximately 118,000 of them suffer from quadriplegia — paralysis of both the arms and the legs.
In the past, computer control systems based on brain waves or eye movements were developed for such individuals. However, a simpler and more accessible solution has now emerged — control through the tongue.
A Big Step from a Young Inventor
This innovation was developed by Emma Mogus, a 17-year-old 12th-grade student at White Oaks Secondary School in Oakville, Canada. She presented her invention on May 12 at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, a prestigious competition that brought together more than 1,750 young scientists from 75 countries.
Emma built a functional prototype using simple and inexpensive materials. The core component of the device resembles a sports mouthguard. Five small holes were drilled into the mouthguard, all within reach of the tongue:
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two on the left side,
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two on the right side,
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one at the front.
Each hole contains a pressure-sensitive sensor. These sensors replace the up, down, left, and right arrow keys on a keyboard, as well as the “click” function of a computer mouse. The total cost of the device is less than 10 US dollars.
While the current prototype connects to a computer via a cable, Emma notes that a wireless version could be developed in the future.
Fast Learning, Real Results
During testing, volunteers learned how to use the device very quickly. After just one or two training sessions, users were able to navigate the screen faster and type more words per minute than before.
Emma believes that this technology could benefit not only people with spinal cord injuries, but also individuals with multiple sclerosis, other forms of paralysis, and conditions that cause severe mobility impairments.
Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Reduce Viral Diseases in Brazil
Technology is transforming not only individual lives but also public health. A new study conducted in Brazil shows that genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes can significantly reduce the spread of the dengue virus.
Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes aegypti species and is characterized by high fever, severe headaches, body pain, and sometimes serious bleeding. Since there is no specific treatment, preventing the spread of the disease is the primary strategy.
A New Approach: Breaking the Reproduction Chain
Scientists altered the genes of male mosquitoes to limit their ability to produce viable offspring. Although these modified males can mate with females, the resulting larvae die before reaching adulthood. As a result, the mosquito population gradually declines.
This method was implemented in several neighborhoods of Piracicaba, Brazil. The results were striking:
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In areas with standard mosquito-control measures, dengue cases decreased by 52%.
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In neighborhoods where GM mosquitoes were released, the reduction reached 91% (from 133 cases down to just 12).
The project was carried out by the British biotechnology company Oxitec, which announced on July 14 that the results directly link the release of modified mosquitoes to the sharp decline in dengue cases.
Scientific Caution and Ethical Debate
The release of genetically modified organisms into the environment remains controversial. However, researchers emphasize that nearly all released male mosquitoes die and do not produce disease-spreading adult offspring.
Entomologist Grayson Brown from the University of Kentucky notes that such real-world field data are rare and extremely valuable. Nevertheless, he stresses the need for additional comparative studies to more precisely measure the method’s effectiveness.
Conclusion
These two different yet equally impactful scientific innovations demonstrate that:
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Technology can overcome physical limitations and give people greater independence.
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Biotechnology can become a powerful tool in addressing public health challenges.
As science continues to advance, new hope emerges — both for improving individual quality of life and for protecting global health.