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A helmet-like device with electrodes attached, developed by Keio University bioengineers in Japan, has enabled people to control Second Life avatars through nothing other than their own thoughts. This opens the possibility for the disabled to recover the ability to communicate and do business in the virtual world. Virtual worlds are becoming more accessible for people with handicaps. Check out the Trend Hunter feature on avatars for the blind:
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Ben Preiss
Avatars For The Blind + 12 Hip Trends for the Blind
The technology "would enable people suffering paralysis to communicate with others or do business through chatting and shopping in a virtual world," said Junichi Ushiba, associate professor at Keio Univesity's rehabilitation centre.
Second Life is an increasingly popular virtual world in which people -- and animals -- are represented by animated avatars and can do everything from social activities to shopping.
Ushiba said Second Life could motivate patients with severe paralysis, who are often too depressed to undergo rehabilitation.
"If they can see with their own eyes their characters moving around, it could reinvigorate their brain activity and restore some functions," he said.
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