The researchers were able to make the subjects run, freeze in place, or even completely lose control of their limbs, according to bgr.com.
Imagine that someone remotely controls your brain and forces the central control of your body to send commands to your muscles against your will. This is an incredibly scary thought, but scientists have managed to achieve this fantastic and nightmarish result in reality, albeit on a very small scale. But still, they were able to make their subjects run, freeze in place, or even completely lose control of their limbs. Fortunately, the research will be used for good rather than evil … For now.
Physics professor Arnd Pralle, Ph. D. from the University of Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences, has focused on a technique called magnetothermal stimulation. This is not an easy process. It involves the implantation of specially engineered DNA and the injection of nanoparticles that attach to specific neurons. But once the minimally invasive procedure is completed, the brain can be controlled remotely via an alternating magnetic field. When these magnetic inputs are used, the particles heat up, causing the neurons to “ignite”.
The study, which was published in the latest issue of eLife, includes experiments that were conducted on mice. Using a new technique, the researchers were able to control the movement of animals, causing them to completely freeze, block their limbs, turn, or even run.
Even though the technology has only been tested in mice, the research could have far-reaching implications for brain research. The holy grail for dreamers like Elon Musk is that we may one day be able to tune our brains ourselves to eliminate mood disorders and make us more perfect beings. This groundbreaking study could be an important step towards such a future.
