Brain Science

The Rise Of Brain-Computer Interfaces

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Imagine a world where you can control your computer, prosthetic limb, or even virtual reality experience with just the power of your thoughts. This is no longer the realm of science fiction, but the exciting reality of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). BCIs act as a bridge between your brain and external devices. They capture the electrical activity generated by your thoughts and translate them into commands that can be understood by computers or machines. This is achieved by placing electrodes, either on the scalp (non-invasive) or directly on the brain tissue (invasive), to detect these signals. Sophisticated algorithms then analyze and decipher these intricate patterns, transforming them into actionable commands.

The potential applications of BCIs are vast and hold the promise to revolutionize numerous fields. In the medical realm, BCIs offer a glimmer of hope for individuals with paralysis or neuromuscular disorders. Imagine someone suffering from ALS regaining the ability to communicate and control their environment through the power of thought. BCIs could empower them to type messages, operate prosthetic limbs, or even control their smart homes, restoring a degree of independence and agency.

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Three Mind-Blowing Predictions – Michio Kaku

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What lies in store for humanity? Theoretical physicist Michio Kaku explains how different life will be for your descendants—and maybe your future self. Theoretical physicist Michio Kaku looks decades into the future and makes three bold predictions about human space travel, the potential of ‘brain net’, and our coming victory over cancer. Here is a brief summary – but be sure to check out the video.

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Will The Next interaction Frontier Involve The Brain?

Frank Diana innovation accelerators, Virtual Reality , ,

In 2017, I explored the various ways that human interaction was likely to change. Two years later, I shared predictions from Ray Kurzweil that included his thoughts on interacting in a world that is increasingly instrumented and machine-oriented. Ray envisions a deep transformation in the way we interact in a machine-oriented society, and that includes thought commands. The possibility of interacting with the world using our brains still feels like science fiction to most. Whether it is moving an object (like the racecar video in my earlier post) or communicating with another human brain-to-brain, it is hard to wrap our minds around that profound a change.

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The Third Tipping Point

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I have invested considerable time exploring the tipping points in human history. When I say tipping point, I mean a fundamental change in the nature of being human. As described in my Post on the topic, there were two main tipping points in human history: from hunter-gatherer to agriculture, and agriculture to our industrial society.

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Paralyzed Man Walks in Brain-Controlled Exoskeleton

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This recent Article highlights the progress made in brain science, our focus on solving grand world challenges, and the critical need to continue this advancement. The article describes how a paralyzed man using only his brain signals was able to operate, maneuver, and walk in a whole-body robotic exoskeleton. This press release provides more details. The findings could advance efforts to help paralyzed patients drive computers using brain signals alone; “perhaps starting with driving wheelchairs using brain activity instead of joysticks and progressing to developing an exoskeleton for increased mobility,” says Stephan Chabardes, neurosurgeon from the CHU of Grenoble-Alpes, France.

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Mind-reading AI can see what you’re thinking and Draw a Picture

Frank Diana Artificial Intelligence, Brain Science, Future Scenarios, innovation accelerators , , , , , ,

The brain is clearly one of the next great frontiers. In this World Economic Forum Article on reading minds, we get a glimpse into the exponential progression of brain science. The author cites research published by AI experts in China, the US and Japan showing that computers can replicate what people are thinking by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machines that measure brain activity – linked to deep neural networks that replicate human brain functions.

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