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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."

7 of 118 comments (clear)

  1. 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 Yvan256 · · Score: 5, Funny

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

  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: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.