A tiny computer chip surgically embedded in your brain can give you superpowers. It sounds incredible, but scientists are already using these devices to restore vision to blind people and hearing - deaf. But what can I say - an elementary (in some way) pacemaker is also inherently an implant. What's next?
In the future, such implantable chips, also known as neuroprostheses, can do much more - sometimes with ultrasensitive eye or ear implants. By using electronic signals to stimulate specific areas of the brain, these chips can deliver visual and auditory signals and repair connections that have been disrupted by trauma. After our understanding of the brain has improved, researchers believe that the amount of data that can be transmitted to consciousness has increased proportionally.
Nowadays it is risky to drill a skull to put a small electronic device in it, but technology is advancing rapidly. Soon, things that we thought were supernatural will be available to anyone who wants and can afford it.
Before you are some of the abilities that can be achieved with the help of brain implants.
1. Have a conversation in a crowded club
Cochlear implants can already restore hearing in some people and even allow them to hear for the first time. With dedicated hardware, they can adjust to what you don't want to hear, or use sensitive equipment that amplifies quiet noise or filters out loud ones.
Promotional video:
2. See in the dark
Approved retinal implants can restore the ability to see movement and shape in people who have lost sight due to certain genetic problems. As understanding of the optic nerve improves, improved versions of these implants may give you cat's night vision.
3. Have vision that can bring distant objects closer
Researchers have already developed magnifying contact lenses. But the prosthetic retina will be able to do the same when needed, rather than constantly. As if you were equipped with a built-in photo zoom lens.
4. Improve your math and navigation skills
Direct stimulation of specific areas of the brain can already improve math and navigation skills in individuals in the laboratory. With a brain implant that will do this all the time, you will no longer be a humanist and the salesperson will never cheat you again.
5. Ability to load skills, as in the "Matrix"
The researchers argue that once we understand how practice turns into a skill over time, we can use implants to enable us to quickly transform knowledge into skills. You can load kung fu or whatever else you need into your memory.
6. Recovering damaged memory
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency DARPA is already experimenting with brain implants that will help soldiers with traumatic brain injury by stimulating the damaged tissue with electrodes. In the future, this may become a valuable medical technology. Let's not forget that the Internet was also once a near-war development.
7. Healing depression and mood control
DARPA is also working on neuroprostheses that could heal depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recent research has shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation can be an extremely effective antidepressant. Future implants could control the brain and make sure it works as it should, stimulating it when needed.
8. Increasing attention and energy without drugs and drugs
Drugs like Adderall and Ritalin are well known for their alertness-enhancing effects, but they also have side effects. Brain stimulation can increase concentration and clear the mind, but without any side effects, including neurosis, withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal symptoms, and others.
9. Machine control with the power of the mind
It sounds incredible, but researchers are already using neuroprosthetic sensors to control robotic limbs. As these technologies improve, control becomes more accurate, eventually allowing robots, computers, and more to be remotely controlled.
10. Internet search and simultaneous translation of languages
Once these implants are able to transmit and receive information, they will be able to recognize objects and supply them with relevant information from the Internet right in your head. These technologies are still a long way off - safe and small chips are needed, as well as a better brain map.
But as soon as possible, the consequences will be colossal. Imagine being able to travel anywhere in the world and understand what the locals are talking about. The same technology that transmits auditory information has the potential to automatically translate any data for you in real time. No more Babylon.