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Neural "Extension Cord" Developed

Posted by kdawson on from the plug-'n'-play dept.

moon_monkey writes "Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a 'neural extension cord' by growing neurons attached to a microchip. The cord is made by gradually moving two batches of neurons apart, as they naturally grow towards one another. This biological 'data cable' could then interface with the brain once implanted, the researchers say." From the article: "...in the long run, it may not be necessary to interface directly with nerves at all. 'In Europe most researchers in this field are using non-invasive EEG,' [an outside researcher] explains... 'The signals are weaker so more complex processing is needed, but not having to perform surgery on the nervous system has many advantages,' [he] says."

11 of 141 comments (clear)

  1. Interesting but... by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is it compatible with Windows Vista's DRM requirements?

  2. Understatement of the year by Spazmania · · Score: 4, Funny

    not having to perform surgery on the nervous system has many advantages

    I nominate this guy for the Understatement of the Year award.

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    1. Re:Understatement of the year by Lazerf4rt · · Score: 5, Funny

      OK, all you need are 8 of these neural data links, interfaced to a twisted pair cable. Plug that into a 10-BASE-T hub, and think really really fast to implement the 802.3 protocol in your brain. As long as you can remember your MAC address, you're golden.

  3. Power Strip by eviloverlordx · · Score: 3, Funny

    Extension cords are well and good, but what we really need is a neural power strip. You can never have too many of those.

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    1. Re:Power Strip by xeromist · · Score: 3, Funny

      Yes, but for the typical slashdotter a neural powered grill might be a bad idea. Imagine the fire hazzard if they were hooked up when they read the latest DRM or MS article!!!

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  4. oh yeah... by macadamia_harold · · Score: 4, Funny

    The cord is made by gradually moving two batches of neurons apart, as they naturally grow towards one another. This biological 'data cable' could then interface with the brain once implanted, the researchers say.

    That way, in the future, people can have an almost lifelike experience watching Ow! My Balls!

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  5. Yay Degree by unchiujar · · Score: 4, Funny

    Instant learning for classes. No I can finally finish college.
    I knew procrastinating worked...

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  6. Hey -- wait a minute... by wtansill · · Score: 3, Funny
    "...in the long run, it may not be necessary to interface directly with nerves at all. 'In Europe most researchers in this field are using non-invasive EEG,' [an outside researcher] explains... 'The signals are weaker so more complex processing is needed, but not having to perform surgery on the nervous system has many advantages,' [he] says."
    We at "Lobotomies 'R' Us" would beg to differ...
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  7. Re:Sound like the beginning of tuning by pluther · · Score: 4, Funny
    I never realized how many idiot comments people made on /. until today.

    You must be new here.

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  8. I saw a subtitle for the matrix once... by Jaqenn · · Score: 3, Funny

    I saw a subtitle for the matrix once for when Neo wakes up: "I'm lying naked in a vat of nutrients, with my bodily functions handled by tubes, connected to the internet by a fiber-optic cable wired directly into my brain...THIS IS LIKE A DREAM COME TRUE!!!"

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  9. Re:Implications by NMerriam · · Score: 3, Funny
    This would be incredibly tricky, as there is no data format to speak of that the brain uses - program and data are all bound together in one messy lump.


    That's the clearest evidence against Intelligent Design I've heard all week. Everybody knows that a real God would have used a Model-View-Controller architecture.
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