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Rat Mind Control

Posted by timothy on from the you-will dept.

Patrick Key writes "Well, not exactly mind control but scientists have taken rat training to a new level. By inserting electrodes into the brain of a rat, they're able to effectively control a rat to move forward, left and right. They used the brain area that processes whisker info for left/right control and the pleasure center for moving forward. All sorts of interesting implications- no mention of when a human version would be available. The feat is mentioned in an IEEE's Spectrum article here"

2 of 180 comments (clear)

  1. Creepy by Soporific · · Score: 2, Interesting

    How long before we are hooked up to pleasure stimulating electrodes that make superior workers? Other than the computers we are working on right now?

    ~S

  2. Would you like it ? by The_Lightman · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Now, just a simple question to you all. What would you say if someone would be putting electrodes in YOUR brains (provided you have one, obviously) ? Animal vivisection should be prohibited, always. If you want to experiment with brains and such, why don't you use rapists or other death row prisoners ? Animals are living beings, as such they have rights. You all should start thinking about this.