Research and clinical developments that matter to the disability community — summarised in plain language, always linked to the original study or report.
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Study: a shared ‘neurodevelopmental spectrum’ predicts outcomes better than separate diagnoses
A 10,000-child UK study finds a shared ‘neurodevelopmental spectrum’ predicts school outcomes better than individual autism or ADHD diagnoses.
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Paralysed woman controls computer cursor by thought one month after brain implant
A 26-year-old woman with paralysis in China has learned to control a computer cursor using only neural signals, one month after a brain-computer interface implant.
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Decade-long study shows brain stimulation can safely restore sense of touch
A ten-year Pitt and University of Chicago study finds intracortical brain stimulation can safely restore touch sensation with no serious adverse events.
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Stem cell strategy targets chronic spinal cord injury, not just fresh trauma
New preclinical data presented at ISSCR 2026 supports a stem cell approach for long-standing, chronic spinal cord injuries.
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Robotic exoskeleton links therapist and patient movements to improve stroke rehab
A new robotic exoskeleton system lets therapists guide stroke survivors’ walking rehab in real time, with promising early results.
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Study finds diverse autism genes converge on shared brain-development pathways
New research shows autism-linked genes may converge on common brain-development pathways despite their genetic diversity.
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Cochlear implant pioneers awarded 2026 Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology
Five scientists who developed the modern cochlear implant have won the 2026 Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology.
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Study finds high-tech communication devices deliver 3.3x return and lift quality of life 65%
A new US study finds high-tech AAC devices lift quality of life by 65% and return $3.30 for every dollar spent.
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Australian second-generation bionic eye restores functional vision in trial
Four people blind from retinitis pigmentosa gained functional vision in a trial of Australia’s second-generation bionic eye, with 97% of electrodes still working after 2.7 years.
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