A PhD student at the University of Wisconsin is coming up with a method for those whose brain functions normally, but bodies are paralyzed, to communicate in an improved fashion. By utilizing an electrode-studded brain cap wired to a PC, Adam Wilson can update a Twitter page by a mere thought. The electrodes detect the brain’s activity and transform them into actions, such as a cursor motion on a screen.

Scientists are saying that the new innovation could help people with Lou Gehrig’s disease (also known as ALS), brain-stem stroke and high spinal cord injury. Wilson compares the technology to texting, since a user has to press a key several times to get the right letter.