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Scientists Develop Brain-Microchip Bridge

Posted by samzenpus on from the man-and-machine dept.

dreampod writes "Canadian scientists have developed a microchip capable of monitoring the electrical and chemical communication channels between individual neurons. This is the first time scientists have been able to monitor the interaction between brain cells on such a precise and subtle level. In addition to providing the ability to see more easily the impact of drugs on various mental disorders during testing, this provides one of the first fundamental steps towards real mind-machine interface."

13 of 118 comments (clear)

  1. But not in a real brain? by MichaelSmith · · Score: 3, Informative

    TFA is vague but it looks like the cells in question are being kept alive outside the organism. I suppose this could be adapted into an implantable device, but cochlear implants almost do that anyway.

    --
    http://michaelsmith.id.au
    1. Re:But not in a real brain? by MichaelSmith · · Score: 3, Informative

      Cochlear implants go the opposite direction. Cochlear implants are like speakers, this is like a microphone.

      Thats true but the important thing here is the interface, which works both ways. This device may have more resolution though, and it seems precise enough to talk to individual neurons, rather than nerve cells.

      --
      http://michaelsmith.id.au
    2. Re:But not in a real brain? by catbutt · · Score: 5, Informative

      Well I'm not sure what you mean by nerve cells vs. neurons (they are the same thing, by my understanding), but for every neuron there might be 1000 synapses, so that might be what you mean. I couldn't tell from the story, though.

    3. Re:But not in a real brain? by Low+Ranked+Craig · · Score: 3, Funny

      (or the flaps, ailerons, engines, and missiles)

      Yes, but you have to think in Russian

      --
      I still cannot find the droids I am looking for...
    4. Re:But not in a real brain? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

      Sorry, they're the same thing. Neuron == nerve == nerve cell. A neuron consists of a cell body (the prokaryon), one axon (outgoing signal), and one or more dendrites (incoming). They connect to each other from axon to dendrite, at links called synapses. The signal is propagated by very high-resolution, high-frequency balancing and shifting ion gradients.

  2. Read the small print by arth1 · · Score: 4, Informative

    Before jumping on this, read the small print.
    They take out a piece of brain tissue, and implant it into the machinery, not the other way around. I'm not sure about you guys, but that kind of interface doesn't seem too useful to me, although it could be useful for diagnosis.

    1. Re:Read the small print by catbutt · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I think it's what is known as "an important first step". That is, having communication between neurons and electronics. Once you've done that, it is another (admittedly large)step to make it practical.

      Obviously, it's harder to do in a living organism, so you work out certain details in a test tube, so to speak.

    2. Re:Read the small print by icebike · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Before jumping on this, read the small print.
      They take out a piece of brain tissue, and implant it into the machinery, not the other way around. I'm not sure about you guys, but that kind of interface doesn't seem too useful to me, although it could be useful for diagnosis.

      I rather suspect if it were the other way around, (implants for arbitrary interfaces) there would be a bit of a hue and cry. Especially when human subjects are discussed.

      Its the safe way to do the research without attracting the attention of political or religious groups.

      Its pretty patently clear that implantation is the ultimate goal, and this opens a whole can of worms best left unopened while the research is young.

      --
      Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
    3. Re:Read the small print by causality · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Its pretty patently clear that implantation is the ultimate goal, and this opens a whole can of worms best left unopened while the research is young.

      Yeah, we'll keep it under the radar and let it gather lots of momentum, entrench itself in terms of research thus far invested, and then we'll spring open that can of worms. Surely that will avert the controversy concerning brain implants!

      --
      It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education. - Einstein
    4. Re:Read the small print by Yvan256 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Let's call it "an important first slimy forward drag".

  3. Re:singularity by trum4n · · Score: 4, Funny

    UPGRADE MY DAMN MEMORY. i can NEVER remember my passwords....

  4. Re:singularity by Yvan256 · · Score: 5, Funny

    You already had an appointment.

    Yesterday.

  5. Implanted into a certain ex-governor from Alaska by countertrolling · · Score: 3, Funny

    Another Bridge to Nowhere...

    --
    For justice, we must go to Don Corleone