I appear with Dr. Bakay and the patient JR in the photograph in the article. The article's last section addresses the concern that following paralysis, the brain's usual responses are distorted and thus would not be appropriate for communication. In our present patient, evidence suggests that the implanted brain becomes devoted to control of the cursor. If this holds true in subsequent patients, it implies that implantation can be performed, perhaps in any part of the brain, without fear of functional loss. The story refers to research that suggests a link between the so-called Guam syndrome of parkinsonlike symptoms and the consumption of sago palm.
Sago palms are true palms.
They are known in insular Southeast Asia but are not native to Guam. Cycad trees are not palms at all. Because they have fronds, though, they have been popularly lumped into the palm family. It is well known that cycad seeds contain a toxin that causes all kinds of neurological problems, but this toxin can be rinsed out if you have plenty of time and fresh water. That is the question.