STAT+: Brain implant restores the sensation of touch in a person with quadriplegia

STAT PlusIn the Lab Brain implant restores the sensation of touch in a person with quadriplegia Experts applauded the results, but questioned if the findings would translate more broadly Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By O. Rose BroderickJuly 16, 2026 Disability in Health Care Reporting Fellow O. Rose Broderick[email protected]Rose covers disability and mental health, and she helps write STAT’s daily Morning Rounds newsletter. Confidential tips can be sent to Rose on Signal at rosebroderick.11. Keith Thomas just wanted to pet his dog. A diving accident in 2020 damaged Thomas’ spinal cord and left him with virtually no ability to move or feel his limbs below his neck, so when Bow, his malshipoo, grazed his legs or nuzzled in his lap, Thomas couldn’t feel it or return the affection. Advertisement His family got Bow right as Thomas received a brain implant in 2023 as part of an experimental study. The device changed his life. When it zapped his brain and spinal cord with tiny jolts of electricity at the same time, he could lift his arms and shoulders — even stroke and feel Bow’s fur again. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In disability, Medical devices, research, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints O. Rose Broderick Disability in Health Care Reporting Fellow Rose covers disability and mental health, and she helps write STAT’s daily Morning Rounds newsletter. Confidential tips can be sent to Rose on Signal at rosebroderick.11. Newsletter Tech is transforming health care and life sciences. Our original reporting is here to keep you ahead of the curve. Recommended Health Tech Newsletter July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Medicare wants to shake up how it pays for clinical AI Pharmalot July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Kalshi bets on clinical trials, a Merck cholesterol pill, and more Advertisement The Readout July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA approves Merck’s oral PCSK9 drug, a first Pharma July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Kalshi comes for biopharma, with prediction markets for clinical trials and FDA approvals Biotech July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Eli Lilly to acquire psychedelics-focused biotech AtaiBeckley Subscriber Picks