From particle physics to brain prosthetics

From particle physics to brain prosthetics

Prof. Dr. Prabhat Ranjan is the Executive Director of India's Technology Information, Forecasting & Assessment Council and member of the IIASA Council.

 “I came from the universe, to the sun, to the moon, to Earth, and now to the human body and the brain,” said Ranjan. Ranjan, who began his career in particle physics, before moving towards engineering and biology, described recent research developing assistive technologies for people with disabilities—the most recent of which uses EEG sensors to let disabled people control computers with their brain waves. Ranjan and colleagues first tested the technology with a quadriplegic man, Suresh Karat, who is now able to use it to type and communicate. Ranjan argued that medical science could benefit from a more holistic perspective that integrates body, mind, and nutrition along with education and learning.