Not So Vulcan Mind Melds

Telepathy and telekinesis is a thing of comic book and sci-fi series history. No longer do we have to wish that such technologies are available, in order to make us more like our super-hero or super-villain idols.

Communicating telepathically may not occur like in the movies or comic books, but it is happening and interestingly enough it’s occurring between rats.1 These rats aren't super mutant rats from the sewers of New York City, but are two lab rats (one in North Carolina and one in Brazil) that are communicating telepathically, similar to that of “Pinky and the Brain”2). The rats have brain implants that collect, encode electrical signals of their brains and allows them to work together to complete various tasks given to them by Duke University and the International Institute for Neuroscience of Natal researchers. In a nutshell, the “follow” rat receives signals via brain implant from the “lead” rat, indicating which lever to choose. The research shows that the “lead” rat eventually figured out that the more clear the “instructions” were to the other rat, the greater that likelihood that the reward would be doubled.

Although humans aren't communicating telepathically just yet, researchers are working hard to make this a possibility. Temporary electronic tattoos could control drone flight and allow people to communicate “telepathically”.3,4 T. Coleman, from the University of California at San Diego, is developing thin, flexible, wireless epidermal electronics that can be applied to the skin similar to a kid’s temporary tattoo. Coleman and colleagues’ research has found that brain signals that reflect mental states can be detected. Current research is investigating the control of unmanned airplanes through the use of electronic tattoos. Research has also investigated electronic temporary tattoos used as a communication device, by placing the device on the throat for utilization as a subvocal microphone.

Brain-computer interface (BCI) and brain-machine interface (BMI) systems are promising technologies that could unleash limitless possibilities. Essentially, BCIs work by detecting minute changes in neural brain signals, which allow the user to control a device without the need for muscle movement.5,6 Similar to that of a BCI system, BMI systems can translate neuronal signals into motor commands via a recording device and real-time computer algorithms. However, BMI systems also incorporate a device, such as a prosthesis or wheelchair.7

One of numerous BCI systems currently being researched include a BCI painting program system, developed by scientists at the University of Wurzburg.8 This BCI system allows the user to paint via brain power. It is essentially a cap, worn by the user, which is embedded by electrodes. The electrodes then communicate changes in the user’s neural activity to a computer program that “reads” these changes in brain wave patterns and allows the user to control a series of options. Such options include the usage of various shapes and choose from a palette of colors; users can even select what type of brush to use. Computer Researchers behind this technology are also working on developing a new implantable device, which is implanted directly into the brain. The implant will allow the computer to directly read the patient’s thoughts.

Similar to the mind controlled painting program, the iBrain developed by researchers at Stanford University (in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Max Planck Institute, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, and University of California - San Diego) is a wireless brain scanner, which enables communication through thought using an algorithm that maps brain wave patterns.9-10 A computer reads recorded brain wave patterns and reacts to the input, by moving the cursor on the computer screen. This is very promising for individuals who are suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.11 There is so much invested interested in this technology that even the Dr. Hawking is in on the research! Stephen Hawking has been working with researchers at collaborating academic institutions, in order to learn more about how to communicate by thought. The iBrain has other applications, such as monitoring and diagnosing sleep apnea, depression, and autism.

Another BCI technology that is currently being researched is BrainGate.12 BrainGate is the size of a pill, which is implanted in the brain and is a promising technology for those with paralysis. It can manipulate, transmit, record, and analyze neural brain activity.13-15 Research is being conducted on using this technology as a communications device, which utilizes either a cursor on a computer monitor or virtual keyboard through the user’s thought of carrying out the activity.14 BrainGate even crosses over to the category of a BMI system, in which the user can manipulate a prosthetic, such as a prosthetic arm.15

One of the most fascinating BMI systems is something that Professor X from the X-Men16 would be quite impressed with. It’s a prototype wheelchair that can turn left or right and move forward via thought. This wheelchair was developed by engineers at the Toyota Collaboration Center (BTCC).17-18 The wheelchair analyzes brain signals, which is then translated into movement. However, the user must wear a special cap that is connected to an electroencephalograph machine, which reads electric brain signals and transfers the information to a computer that is mounted on the wheelchair. Research suggests that the technology produced rather consistent outputs, with 95 percent of the time the wheelchair correctly responds to the brain commands.19

 

Stay connected! The conclusion of this blog mini-series includes “Bio-Hacking” and some thought provoking questions!

What are your thoughts, comments, and feedback? I want to know!

 

-RSpelich ^_^

 

 

 

References

  1. Duke Medicine news and Communications. Brain-to-brain interface allows transmission of tactile and motor information between rats. Duke University Health System. Available at: http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/news/brain-to-brain-interface-allows-transmission-of-tactile-and-motor-information-between-rats. Accessed on 02 Dec. 2013.
  2. Ruegger, Tom. Pink and The Brain. Warner Bros. Television. Kids WB!, 9 Sept. 1995. Television.
  3. Choi CQ. Temporary Tattoos Could Make Electronic telepathy Possible. Available at: http://www.businessinsider.com/temporary-tattoos-could-make-electronic-telepathy-telekinesis-possible-2013-2. Accessed on 02 Dec. 2013.
  4. Neural Interaction Lab. Epidermal Electronics – Science Journal. Posted on 11 Aug. 20111. Available at: http://coleman.ucsd.edu/blog/2011/08/11/epidermal-electronics-science-publication/. Accessed on 02 Dec. 2013.
  5. Vallabhaneni A, Wang T, and He B. Brain-Computer Interface. University of Illinois and University of Minnesota. Bioelectric Engineering, 2005: 85-121. Available at: https://bpv-tese.googlecode.com/hg-history/fe500b91b75630b5281e13fbcbc7e38e82853556/src/referencias/fulltext.pdf. Accessed on 02 Dec. 2013.
  6. Grabianowski, E. How Brain-computer Interfaces Work. 02 Nov. 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. Available at: http://www.howstuffworks.com/brain-computer-interface.htm. Accessed on 03 December 2013.
  7. Lebedev MA and Nicolelis MA. Brain-machine interfaces: past, present, and future. Trends Neurosci. 2006 Sep;29(9):536-46. Epub 2006 Jul 21. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16859758. Accessed on 02 Dec. 2013.
  8. Münßinger JI, Halder S, Kleih SC, Furdea A, Raco V, Hösle A and Kübler A (2010) Brain Painting: first evaluation of a new brain–computer interface application with ALS-patients and healthy volunteers. Front. Neurosci. 4:182. Available at: http://www.frontiersin.org/neuroprosthetics/10.3389/fnins.2010.00182/abstract. Accessed on 02 Dec. 2013.
  9. Stanford University. Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research. Available at: http://cibsr.stanford.edu/. Accessed on 02 Dec. 2013.
  10. Neurovigil. Available at: http://www.neurovigil.com/partnerships/. Accessed on 02 Dec. 2013.
  11. ALS Association. About ALS. Available at: http://www.alsa.org/about-als/what-is-als.html. Accessed on 03 Dec. 2013.
  12. Dougherty E. Telepathic Therapy. Harvard University. Available at: http://hms.harvard.edu/news/harvard-medicine/telepathic-therapy. Accessed on 02 Dec. 2013.
  13. BrainGate Company. Available at: http://www.braingate.com/thought.html. Accessed on 03 Dec. 2013.
  14. Kim SP, Simeral JD, Hochberg LR, et al. Multi-state decoding of point-and-click control signals from motor cortical activity in a human with tetraplegia. Proceedings of the 3rd International IEEE EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering. Kohala Coast, Hawaii, USA, May 2-5, 2007:486-9. Available at: http://donoghue.neuro.brown.edu/pubs/KimIEEE2007.pdf. Accessed on 02 Dec. 2013.
  15. Hochberg LR, Serruya MD, Fiehs GM, et. Al. Neuronal ensemble control of prosthetic devices by a human with tetraplegia. Nature. 2006 Jul 13;442(7099):164-71. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=16838014. Accessed on 03 Dec. 2013.
  16. Claremont, Chris, Stan Lee, and John Byrne. The Uncanny X-men: [the Dark Phoenix Saga]. New York, NY: Marvel Comics Group, 1990. Print.
  17. Toyota. Real-time control of wheelchairs with brain waves. Available at: http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/09/0629_1.html. Accessed on 02 Dec. 2013.
  18. Gonsalves A. Toyota Develops Mind-Controlled Wheechair. InformationWeek.com. Posted on 29 June 2009. Available at: http://www.informationweek.com/applications/toyota-develops-mind-controlled-wheelchair/d/d-id/1080931?. Accessed on 02 Dec. 2013.
  19. Beaumont C. Toyota unveils ‘mind reading’ wheelchair. The Telegraph. Posted on 01 Jul 2009. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/5710830/Toyota-unveils-mind-reading-wheelchair.html. Accessed on 03 Dec. 2013.

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