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Monkeys Use Minds To Control Avatar Arms

Posted by samzenpus on from the I-for-one-welcome-our-new-monkey-overlords dept.

sciencehabit writes "Researchers have for the first time devised a setup that allows monkeys to control two virtual arms with their thoughts. Two monkeys had electrodes implanted into its right and left brain hemisphere, which recorded the activity of up to 500 neurons acting together—the highest number of neurons yet used in such an experiment. The animal's task was to control the movement of two avatar arms on a computer monitor: To get a fruit juice reward, it had to place both hands over two circles and hold them there for 100 milliseconds. A computer algorithm processed the monkey's brain activity, homing in on patterns of neurons firing as it learned to do the task. Both animals' performances improved over time, and the researchers noticed that their neuronal firing patterns changed as this happened, suggesting that their brains were adapting to the brain-machine interfaces. This could be because the monkeys came to consider the virtual arms as part of their own bodies, the lead researcher suggests. 'The animals literally incorporate the avatar as if the avatar was them.'"

6 of 43 comments (clear)

  1. the next huge videogame by themushroom · · Score: 3, Funny

    BrainLink: Poo Fling 3000!

    --
    Laughter is the Spackle of the Soul.
  2. Re:Amazing by dmbasso · · Score: 5, Funny

    Show me one example of anyone anywhere controlling anything without using their mind.

    Republicans in government? [e.g. http://science.slashdot.org/story/13/11/06/2139206/republican-proposal-puts-national-interest-requirement-on-us-science-agency ]

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    `echo $[0x853204FA81]|tr 0-9 ionbsdeaml`@gmail.com
  3. If even monkeys can use it... by hyades1 · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...how long can it be until Slashdotters are reported using the avatar to get a hand job that feels like somebody else?

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    I've calculated my velocity with such exquisite precision that I have no idea where I am.
    1. Re:If even monkeys can use it... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      Would you trust a mechanical hand to not accidentally rip off your cock? And no, I don't think they would be able to reattach it at the hospital, they'd be too busy laughing.

      Well, I trusted some meth-addict skank with like a hundred piercings and tattoos not to accidentally bite it off the other day, so why not?

  4. an oldie by Falconhell · · Score: 2

    I for one welcome our 4 armed monkey overlords.

  5. Tools by felixrising · · Score: 2

    This isn't new, "The idea that the human brain sees tools as an extension of the body is an old one. Now scientists have some proof that it's true." Link: http://www.livescience.com/9664-brain-sees-tools-extensions-body.html