A Swansea man paralysed in a freak accident is exploring how artificial intelligence could help him walk again. Dan Richards, 37, suffered a severe spinal injury during a New Year's Eve swim in Langland Bay in 2023. A wave flipped him, causing him to hit the sand headfirst.
Richards was immediately aware of the paralysis. Doctors initially believed he would be bed-bound. However, he has since regained some movement in his arms and fingers. He now uses a wheelchair.
AI technology offers a potential path to further recovery. Richards has already experimented with AI-assisted walking devices in Wales and Germany. These devices use algorithms to interpret brain signals and stimulate muscles. This allows for controlled movement.
The technology represents a significant advancement in neural rehabilitation. AI's ability to personalize treatment based on individual patient data is key. Experts believe AI could revolutionize treatment for paralysis. This offers hope for improved mobility and independence.
Richards is determined to continue exploring AI-driven therapies. He hopes to regain more movement and inspire others facing similar challenges. Further research and development are crucial to unlock the full potential of AI in restoring mobility.
Multi-Source Journalism
This article synthesizes reporting from multiple credible news sources to provide comprehensive, balanced coverage.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
The Trump administration is significantly undermining federal data collection across sectors like environment, public health, and demographics, driven by ideological resistance and budget cuts. This degradation of data integrity will likely hinder scientific advancements, obscure economic realities, and erode public trust in governmental institutions, impacting future policy decisions and societal understanding.
A Vox video recaps the whirlwind of 2025, highlighting Trump's second term, the Epstein files release, and significant political shifts like Gen Z protests and China's AI advancements with DeepSeek. The year was marked by both historic moments and growing global unrest, showcasing the rapid pace of change and its impact on society.
Vox's Future Perfect team has released its annual forecast, focusing on major global events expected in 2026, including potential political instability in the US, economic downturns, and international conflicts. The predictions, which include assigned probabilities to reflect the team's confidence, aim to promote transparency about the knowns and unknowns of the future.
Plant-based meat alternatives, once a rising trend driven by health, ethical, and environmental concerns, are now facing declining sales and waning consumer interest, signaling a potential shift in dietary preferences. Despite this downturn, the underlying issues related to traditional meat consumption remain relevant, suggesting opportunities for future innovation and more effective strategies to promote sustainable eating habits.
Nashville's New Year's Eve bash on CBS hit a sour note when a technical glitch briefly swapped country stars for *Matlock*, leaving viewers scratching their heads! The unexpected interruption to the star-studded broadcast had social media buzzing, proving that even live TV can have its "who dunnit?" moments.
After a nearly four-year hiatus, K-pop sensation BTS is set to release a new album on March 20th, marking their return to group music since their 2022 album "Proof." The break allowed members to pursue solo projects and fulfill mandatory military service, highlighting the intersection of cultural phenomena and national obligations. This comeback demonstrates the evolving landscape of music consumption and the enduring global impact of AI-driven music trends.
Menemsha Films, a distributor known for showcasing diverse stories, has secured North American rights to "Ethan Bloom," a coming-of-age comedy exploring interfaith themes, reflecting a growing trend in cinema to portray culturally diverse experiences. The film, directed by Herschel Faber, aims to resonate with audiences through its universal narrative of adolescence, while also tapping into the specificities of interfaith dynamics, a subject of increasing global relevance.
China's box office rebounded strongly in 2025, exceeding $7.4 billion, driven by a surge in animated films like "Ne Zha 2" and "Zootopia 2." This recovery, with over 20% growth in both revenue and admissions, underscores the increasing importance of IP-driven franchises and the animation genre in shaping the Chinese film market.
A new study in *Nature* reveals the significant environmental impact of wearable healthcare electronics, projecting a 42-fold increase in global consumption by 2050 and highlighting carbon emissions and e-waste concerns. Experts emphasize that focusing on critical-metal conductors and circuit optimization, rather than solely on plastics, is crucial for mitigating the eco-footprint of these increasingly vital medical devices.
Researchers have developed random heteropolymers (RHPs) that mimic enzyme functions by strategically positioning functional monomers to create protein-like microenvironments. This innovative approach, inspired by metalloprotein active sites, enables the synthesis of catalysts that operate effectively even under non-biological conditions, potentially revolutionizing industrial catalysis and materials science.
Researchers have created a novel "chiral fermionic valve" that separates electrons based on their chirality using the quantum geometry of topological bands, without needing magnetic fields. This device, made from single-crystal PdGa, spatially separates currents with opposite chiralities, demonstrating quantum interference and opening new possibilities for advanced electronic devices.
Researchers have discovered a surprisingly large hydrothermal vent field near Milos, Greece, revealing a dynamic system where superheated fluids escape from Earth's interior. This find, detailed in *Scientific Reports*, highlights the importance of underwater mapping and autonomous vehicles in uncovering hidden geological activity and offers a unique opportunity to study Earth's processes and potential microbial life in extreme environments.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment