Ananova:

A paralysed man has been fitted with a brain implant that allows him to control everyday objects by thought alone.

Matthew Nagle, 25, is the first person in the world to undergo the controversial treatment, reports the Guardian.

Electrodes were attached to Mr Nagle's brain, at New England Sinai Hospital in Massachusetts.

Surgeons completed the operation by fitting a metal socket to Mr Nagle's head so he could be hooked up to a computer.

In early trials, Mr Nagle, left paralysed by a knife attack in 2001, learned to move a cursor around a computer screen simply by imagining moving his arm.

By using software linked to devices around the room, Mr Nagle has since been able to think his TV on and off, change channel and alter the volume.

"Eventually, we want him to be able to use it to control the lights, his phone and other devices," said Professor John Donoghue, of Brown University in Rhode Island who led the team,

Prof Donoghue hopes the implant, called BrainGate, will ultimately allow paraplegics to regain the use of their limbs.

"If we can find a way to hook this up to his own muscles, he could open and close his own hands and move his own arms," he said.

"We're very encouraged by Matthew, but we're cautious. It's just one person. There's further to go, but we're absolutely on the way."