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t m c ยป p u l s e | j u n e 2 0 1 6 16 16 B y S h a n l e y C h i e n In a world of augmented reality, 3-D printing and the Internet of Things, advanced technology is helping the human race reach exciting new heights. Meanwhile, the NeuroRecovery Research Center is using that tech to help patients get back to the basics. I n October 2015, TIRR Memorial Hermann opened the doors to its long-awaited NeuroRecovery Research Center (NRRC), a partnership with the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School. What once existed only on the pages of science fiction novels and comic books now finds its place within the walls of the rehabilitation hospital. Housed on the third floor of TIRR Memorial Hermann's 42,000-square-foot research building, the NRRC conducts innovative research and clin- ical trials using robotic technology geared toward rehabilitating people who have suffered brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes and neuro- degenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. Equipped with four futuristic-looking exoskeleton suits, a robotic arm, various brain and spinal stim- ulators and a cap that detects brain signals and situated within a sleek, grayscale interior design that would make even Tony Stark feel at home, the ultramodern suite is a growing hub for collabora- tion between TIRR Memorial Hermann clinicians, UTHealth researchers and institutions across the Texas Medical Center. "The Texas Medical Center has an embarrass- ing wealth of resources, and we've only tapped into a small portion of it," said Gerard Francisco, M.D., chief medical officer at TIRR Memorial REHABI LITATION RENAISSANCE THE