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BrainPort Allows People To Reclaim Damaged Senses

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the thats-just-freaky dept.

Karma Star writes "There is a news article on a new device called a BrainPort, which is special device that is worn like a helmet, with a strip of tape containing an array of 144 microelectrodes hanging off the headset which is placed on the tongue. The BrainPort then sends signals to the tongue which are then picked up by the brain, allowing the user to regain otherwise lost sensory input. More at the NY Times (soul stealing subscription required)."

18 of 216 comments (clear)

  1. Thats great by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Can I use it to recover my sense of humour?

    1. Re:Thats great by gmuslera · · Score: 4, Funny

      This will give a whole new meaning for bad taste jokes.

  2. Just one question. by TrollBridge · · Score: 5, Funny

    Can I wear it over my tin-foil hat?

    --
    There's a Mercedes gap too. I want one and can't afford one, but it's not government's job to do anything about it.
  3. Big deal by LouCifer · · Score: 5, Funny

    Back when I was in highschool, I'd put a little piece of paper on my tounge and in about an hour I'd get the sensation of flight, could "see" sound, speak to animals and the like.

    Plus, I didnt have to wear a helmet when I dropped acid.

    --
    Religion is for people afraid of going to hell.
    1. Re:Big deal by BorgCopyeditor · · Score: 4, Funny
      Plus, I didnt have to wear a helmet when I dropped acid.

      No, but it might have been a good idea. :-)

      --
      Shop as usual. And avoid panic buying.
  4. Confused senses by freeze128 · · Score: 5, Funny

    This music tastes Great!

  5. Already exists by Rosco+P.+Coltrane · · Score: 5, Funny

    A two-electrode version of this device exists in the form of licking 9V batteries, to give users the sense of whether 9V batteries are dead. It also works to test the main I hear...

    --
    "A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of" - Ogden Nash
    1. Re:Already exists by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      It tastes like... burning.

  6. Re:Yes but by mfender9 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Well, then you'd just spend your life watching Julia Roberts movies and not worry about it...

  7. The only problem with this by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Everything either feels, tastes, or smells like chicken.

    1. Re:The only problem with this by Tablizer · · Score: 3, Funny

      Everything either feels, tastes, or smells like chicken.

      Dude, we DON'T want to hear about your porn preferences

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
    2. Re:The only problem with this by igny · · Score: 4, Funny

      Some people also sound, look and post like chicken.

      --
      In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is. - Yogi Berra
  8. I alwedy haf one of fese. by eric2hill · · Score: 4, Funny

    Fey work gweaf an I can feel ftuff I nefer fought I could!

    --
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    LOADING...
    READY.
    RUN
  9. You just know.... by leereyno · · Score: 4, Funny

    That someone is going to apply this to their nether-regions, if they haven't already.

    --
    Muslim community leaders warn of backlash from tomorrow morning's terrorist attack.
  10. Ralph says by WoodenRobot · · Score: 4, Funny

    "It tastes like ... burning"

    --
    ---
    "I did nothing. I did absolutely nothing and it was everything that I thought it could be."
  11. Re:Taste by LiquidCoooled · · Score: 3, Funny

    When the computer detects a threat it can stimulate the pilots tongue in relation to the direction and distance of the target.

    What would it taste of?

    Normal day: "Mmmmmmm beer"

    Real emergency: "EWWWWW SPROUTS!!! GET ME OUT OF HERE!"

    --
    liqbase :: faster than paper
  12. Buckaroo Banzai by LooseCannon74502181 · · Score: 3, Funny

    The writers from The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension should sue for stolen IP. Lizardo was using that thing 20 years ago.

  13. Re:Taste by Tackhead · · Score: 5, Funny
    > Picture this:
    >
    > Fighter helmet with mouth piece that sits against the pilots tongue. When the computer detects a threat it can stimulate the pilots tongue in relation to the direction and distance of the target. After a little training this sort of thing would really increase reaction time.
    >
    > Though it would make a conversation with the tower a bit tough :)

    You must taste... in Russian!

    In Thoviat Rutthia, Firefoth flieth thoo?

    "Thyre rearwurdth mitthile, dammit!"
    [nothing happens]
    "Mmmmm.... Borscht!"
    [*KABOOM*, second Firefox burninated]
    "Better ithe up a cold one boyth, I'th comin' home!"