Recent News Stories

I have seen a few interesting stories in the news recently.

Gigs and Events

In the UK the company Ticketmaster are making it much easier for disabled people to be able to book tickets for gigs: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-50247373

"Ticketmaster's scheme allows fans to submit details of their disability online. Once validated, the information is bound to their profile, meaning they can book tickets for all future gigs without extra effort.

In participating venues, accessible seats will be clearly labelled on the seat map like any other ticket - whether that's in the range of a hearing loop, or in a wheelchair-friendly zone, with a free companion ticket."

Gene Editing

This story talks about being able to edit DNA at the letter-by-letter level. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-50125843.

I wonder how this has potential to help those with HSP. I can imagine that this has the potential to prevent further degradation of nerves, so potential is highest for those with an early diagnosis. The article is vague about timelines!

Mind Control Exo-skeleton

This story reports a person with paralysis from a spinal cord injury being able to use his mind to control an exo-skeleton. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-49907356.

The persons has had implants placed on the surface of his brain to allow the signals to be read. At the moment this is limited to laboratory use, so it is early stages. The article comments that the system has also been used to control a wheelchair, which is an interesting adaption. I rather enjoy the concept that the mind control could be used for controlling things other than movement.