This next idea is a real doozy. Mind-blowing would be an apt description. Especially since it involves literally blowing up your mind. Or at least editing it. That’s right. Scientists at the University of California Berkley are actually working on a hologram projecting device that would enable them to manipulate thousands of the brain’s neurons at once allowing for the mind to be hacked and memories replaced or added at will.
So how does this scary, yet amazing, brain-editing technology work?!
As The Next Web describes:
“The researchers successfully activated and deactivated specific groups of neurons in the brains of mice by projecting holograms directly onto them through a ‘window’ in the animals’ heads. This method allows the team to manipulate precise neuron groups, hundreds of times per second, in an imitation of the brain’s natural response to stimulus. This research indicates the potential exists for complete ‘editing’ of the brain. The scientists hope to decode the brain’s ‘language’ and learn to replicate it – a breakthrough which could give us god-like control over our thoughts, memories, senses, and feelings.”
This technology would obviously be a huge boon for those suffering from PTSD or anyone else in need of replacing painful memories with more positive ones. Such as someone suffering from chronic pain. The technology could potentially also be used to help amputees control their prosthetic limbs in a more natural way. However, there are obvious commercial implications as well. As people may one day look to trick their brains into responding to artificial stimuli Total Recall style.
So what do you think? Would you want to “edit” your brain in the future? To get rid of traumatic memories? Or to trick your mind into thinking you’ve done things that you’ve never done before? Or would you prefer a more natural life experience, for better or for worse?
Is a brain editing device the Greatest Idea Ever?
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