Skip to main content

'upload knowledge to your brain'  » Scientists develop new technique


Scientists have developed a way of uploading information to one’s brain that almost imitates the methods used in The Matrix, similar to Keanu Reeves’ character Neo in The Matrix trilogy. The character Neo had a range of kung-fu skills ‘uploaded’ directly into his brain in just a few seconds.



Scientists at HRL Information and System Sciences Laboratory in California have been working to make real life imitate art, very much in the style of The Matrix, by developing what is termed low-current electrical brain stimulation to modulate a person’s learning of complex, real-world skills. This can be used for learning how to drive a car, pilot a plane, learn new languages, and so on.

Dr Matthew Phillips, who led the HRL Labs research team, used a neuro-stimulation technique known as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to excite areas in the brain responsible for learning and skill retention. tDCS is a non-invasive, painless technique that uses a constant, low electric current to stimulate specific brain regions. Several studies suggest it could be used to treat neuropsychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain.

Dr Phillips said: “Our system is one of the first of its kind. It’s a brain stimulation system. It sounds kind of sci-fi, but there’s large scientific basis for the development of our system. The specific task we were looking at was piloting an aircraft, which requires a synergy of both cognitive and motor performance.

“When you learn something, your brain physically changes. Connections are made and strengthened in a process called neuro-plasticity. It turns out that certain functions of the brain, like speech and memory, are located in very specific regions of the brain, about the size of your pinky.

“What our system does is it actually targets those changes to specific regions of the brain as you learn. The method itself is actually quite old. In fact, the ancient Egyptians 4,000 years ago used electric fish to stimulate and reduce pain.

“Even Ben Franklin applied currents to his head, but the rigorous, scientific investigation of these methods started in the early 2000s and we’re building on that research to target and personalise stimulation in the most effective way possible.

“Your brain is going to be very different to my brain when we perform a task. What we found is that in specific circumstances, brain stimulation seems to be particularly effective at actually improving learning.”

They studied the electric signals in the brain of a trained pilot and then fed the data into novice subjects as they learned to pilot an aeroplane in a realistic flight simulator.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, found that subjects who received brain stimulation via electrode-embedded head caps improved their piloting abilities and learnt the task 33 per cent better than a placebo group. The experiment showed improvement in both motor and cognitive skills.

Dr Phillips went on: “We were able to take a group of individuals and train them to a similar level.

“The method relies on physical contact with the scalp – a head-cap through conductive gel to apply the current to the skin.

“The effects can persist for hours. The effects take days or weeks of practice to consolidate. It’s the same learning mechanism, we’re just amplifying or boosting it.

“As we discover more about optimising, personalising, and adapting brain stimulation protocols, we’ll likely see these technologies become routine in training and classroom environments.

“It’s possible that brain stimulation could be implemented for classes like drivers’ training, SAT prep, and language learning.”

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

THE AKWA IBOM STATE Government , HOTEL BOOKING LIMITED SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON WEB DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

Akwa Ibom State Government has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hotel Booking Limited to train youths of the state on Web development and design. At the new Secretariat Annex, office of the Chairman, Foreign Direct Investment, Mr. Gabriel Ukpe, venue of the Ceremony, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Nse Udo Essien in company with other State Government Officials signed on behalf of the State Government while Hotel Booking Limited was led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company, Mr. Mark Essien. Speaking, Dr. Nse Essien said the gesture was in line with the five point agenda of the present administration geared towards engaging our youths positively, creating jobs and alleviating poverty in the state. According to the Commissioner, between 150 – 500 youths would be trained on web design and development using the Ibom e-library and remote locations. He said a platform would be created for intended participants. “The essence of the Memor...

Do you know you can get up to 10,000,000 Collateral free loan from CBN, with an interest rate of 5% per annum for up to 7 years tenor?

How to access up to 10-million-naira collateral-free CBN loan for small businesses and individuals. The Central Bank of Nigeria is giving collateral-free loans of up to N10,000,000 (Ten million Naira) to small businesses in a scheme called; Agric-Business/Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS). INTRODUCTION The Scheme supports governments policy measures for the promotion of agricultural businesses, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as vehicles for sustainable economic development and employment generation. Objectives of the Scheme To improve access to affordable and sustainable finance by Agri-businesses, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Create employment opportunities in Nigeria. Boost the managerial capacity of agri-businesses and MSMEs to grow the enterprises into large corporate organizations in line with Federal The government’s agenda to develop the real sector and promote inclusive growth. Eligible sectors/businesses 1....

OZUBULU MASSACRE: THE HIDDEN TRUTH REVEALED

Following different versions of false news peddled by the Nigerian media and most regrettably, respected individuals, to narrate the very unfortunate incident that happened at St Philips Catholic Church, Amakwa Ozubulu, We, in our culture has dug out the details of this event and how it deteriorated to the August 6 massacre. Aloysius Ikegwuonu (Bishop), presently a drug baron in South Africa, was born in 1981 to the family of Chief Ikegwuonu, Amakwa Ozubulu. He grew up in a very poor home and often helped his mother who trades at Orie Akpu market, Off Ugwu Orie Bus Stop, Amakwa Ozubulu. 'Aloyee' as fondly called by his friends in his early youth stage, first came to limelight in 1999 when he became the senior prefect of Comprehensive Secondary School, C.S.S., (formerly College of Basic Studies, C.B.S.) Egbema Ozubulu; a school founded by Reverend Father Nwabaju Izuchi, a United States based Catholic priest. Right after his secondary school studies which he finished after his ...