SCI/TECH: Brain Merged with Microchip, page 1
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Topic started on 21-5-2004 @ 10:32 AM by kinglizard
"What man's mind can create, man's character can control" - Thomas Edison, this quote may take on new meaning considering recent advancements. Researchers have merged electronic components with brain cells creating a Neuro-Chip that may allow the blind to see and increased memory. This breakthrough could have other applications it could enable patients frozen by disease or injury to circumvent the spinal cord, re-establishing a connection between the body and brain.



Better Humans

In collaboration with researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry in Munich, Germany, Syed's team cultured nerve cells from a snail and placed them on a silicon chip. The chip works as both a transmitter and receptor, stimulating one nerve cell to communicate with multiple cells within the neural network. "We discovered that when we used the chip to stimulate the neurons, their synaptic strength was enhanced," says Syed. "This finding tells us that these neurons are exhibiting signs of learning and memory."

The findings could help researchers develop a host of devices that combine electronic components and brain cells.

"This intriguing study is an important step to link physical and biological circuits together," says researcher Michael Fainzilber. "These findings will help us to design devises that combine electronic components and brain cells?devices that may restore brain function, for example in people with impaired vision."


Please visit the link provided for the complete story.


This merger of humans and synthetic technology is compelling because it may restore function to the handicapped although this does not eliminate my worries concerning its evolution. The handicapped would be the first beneficiaries of this technology then it would likely move into the military complex to give soldiers an edge finally making its way to the general public.

The government of other agencies could use this to control, manipulate and track everyone with this type of implant. If it was accepted by society it could be a major factor in gaining employment because they may prefer to hire a person with expanded capabilities this technology provides. Creating a larger separation of the classes the poor could not afford the implants and would become less desirable in the work force thereby maintaining the vicious circle of poverty.

I wouldn?t be surprised if in ten years we start using this technology to create ?better? humans, disease free, stronger, smarter everything a loving mother or government could want in a child. Our future evolution will not be shaped by out environment it will be shaped by our own hands. That is to say the human mind will ultimately decide what defines humanity and the physical characteristics found in its form. It will be the technology that leads us to our CYBORG FUTURE.

Additional Resources
web.mit.edu..." target="_blank" class="postlink" rel="nofollow">MIT
New Scientist 1
New Scientist 2
Creative Loafing
University of Michigan
Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry

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[Edited on 21-5-2004 by Zion Mainframe]

[Edited on 21-5-2004 by Banshee]
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