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Neuroenhancement is defined as the utilization of medications or devices by otherwise normal adults or children specifically for the purpose of augmenting cognitive or effective function. There is currently an on-going debate about how people are affected by neuro-enhancement technology, and whether or not it will have a positive effect in the future for everyone, or only a select few that will be able to afford advanced treatments or implantable devices.
In a society that thrives on rapidly evolving technology, a new prospective area of innovation has emerged. Early stages of neuroenhancement technology products are currently making their way to the market, and the potential for popularity among younger generations is limitless. So what exactly is this new form of technology that can supposedly instill intelligence in any individual? Currently, the dominant form of the technology comes from the company Foc.us. A gaming headset developed by this company uses the process of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to increase brain processing speed so computer graphics can be processed rapidly, improving reaction time. Although the product is still in the early stages, it remains constantly sold out on the company's website, despite the high price of $250.00. The review video from Linus Tech Tips on the left of the screen provides detailed visuals and descriptions |
The Current State of Neuroenhancement
The field of Neuro-enhancement and it's related technology is currently in its infancy. While early clinical trials and tests show promise for enhancing a humans cognitive abilities, the technology available today is inconsistent, and in some cases, may be dangerous for its users. Neuro-enhancement in its current form involves mainly two methods, the first and probably the most common method is the use of drugs that are commonly used for the treatment of ADHD or Alzheimers. The second form, and the one that we'll be focusing on is the use of hardware and electrical brain stimulation in order to increase cognitive processes. Currently researchers are using TDCS or transcranial direct current stimulation devices to administer electrical stimulation to specific areas of the brain in order to stimulate and increase neuron response. These devices were originally created as treatment options for people suffering from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, however when these devices are being tested on healthy people, some studies have shown increases in math related tasks as well as improving attention span. However according to a personal interview conducted with Dr. Joseph Georges Ph.D. a Neuroscientist doing research at the Barrow Neurological Institute, proper effectual neuro-stimulation for the purposes of increasing brain performance is still a pipe-dream. Cranial implanted electrodes have shown effectiveness in stimulating specific areas of the brain, but transcranial stimulation is difficult to target the correct areas and have the possibility of causing great harm if done incorrectly. Some companies are already beginning to develop and sell crude TDCS devices and there are online homebrew communities dedicated to creating your own device at home, both with the goal of increasing brain function. However without proper guidance and no regulation of the devices, incorrect usage becomes very possible, with users having reported severe mood changes, burnt scalps, and in some cases seizures.
However while Neuro-enhancement technology is still a new technology, it is a field that shows great promise, and has tremendous possibilities for improving human performance and intelligence. The benefits of understanding and being able to properly stimulate the brain, for both increased function as well as understanding and treating Neurological disorders, have the possibility to be so great that the United States has created The Brain Initiative, and the EU has created the Human Brain Project both to study these possibilities with the brain. The possibilities for the future of neuro-enhancement in the future are as wide as a person's imagination. We could have devices that truly work as some of these early prototypes promise, increasing cognitive functions, learning abilities, and improved attention for months at a time. Another possibility would be implantable devices that can be triggered or automatically activated to stimulate portions of the brain that may be needed at a particular time. Scientists have already been working on interfacing into portions of the brain that control our senses, and have created what are still very crude technology but allow the blind to see via a camera, or the deaf to hear by emulating signals to the auditory nerves. As technology progresses these devices will become more sophisticated, possibly better than our natural senses or allowing them to be augmented. As we master the brain and our ability to enhance it, it may become commonplace to implant a number of devices into the brains of our children to give them an edge.
However while Neuro-enhancement technology is still a new technology, it is a field that shows great promise, and has tremendous possibilities for improving human performance and intelligence. The benefits of understanding and being able to properly stimulate the brain, for both increased function as well as understanding and treating Neurological disorders, have the possibility to be so great that the United States has created The Brain Initiative, and the EU has created the Human Brain Project both to study these possibilities with the brain. The possibilities for the future of neuro-enhancement in the future are as wide as a person's imagination. We could have devices that truly work as some of these early prototypes promise, increasing cognitive functions, learning abilities, and improved attention for months at a time. Another possibility would be implantable devices that can be triggered or automatically activated to stimulate portions of the brain that may be needed at a particular time. Scientists have already been working on interfacing into portions of the brain that control our senses, and have created what are still very crude technology but allow the blind to see via a camera, or the deaf to hear by emulating signals to the auditory nerves. As technology progresses these devices will become more sophisticated, possibly better than our natural senses or allowing them to be augmented. As we master the brain and our ability to enhance it, it may become commonplace to implant a number of devices into the brains of our children to give them an edge.
References
Lane, Earl. "Will Brain Stimulation Technology Lead to 'Neuroenhancement'?" AAAS. American Association for the Advancement of Science, 28 Oct. 2013. Web. 06 Oct. 2014.
MacMatzen, Morris. "Brain Hacking Is Having Incredible Effects, and It's Just Getting Started." Brain Hacking Is Having Incredible Effects, and It's Just Getting Started. Reuters/Business Insider, 16 Aug. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.
Hogenboom, Melissa. "Warning over Electrical Brain Stimulation." BBC News. BBC News, 23 Aug. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.
Dr. Joseph Georges Ph.D., Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute. Personal interview. 4 Oct. 2014.
Andersen, Ross. "Why Cognitive Enhancement Is in Your Future (and Your Past)." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 06 Feb. 2012. Web. 06 Oct. 2014.
Santoni De Sio, Filippo, Nadira Faulmüller, and Nicole A. Vincent. "Cognitive Enhancement and the Future of Work." Humanity+. Hplusmagazine.com, 10 Sept. 2014. Web. 5 Oct. 2014.
images from www.foc.us
Lane, Earl. "Will Brain Stimulation Technology Lead to 'Neuroenhancement'?" AAAS. American Association for the Advancement of Science, 28 Oct. 2013. Web. 06 Oct. 2014.
MacMatzen, Morris. "Brain Hacking Is Having Incredible Effects, and It's Just Getting Started." Brain Hacking Is Having Incredible Effects, and It's Just Getting Started. Reuters/Business Insider, 16 Aug. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.
Hogenboom, Melissa. "Warning over Electrical Brain Stimulation." BBC News. BBC News, 23 Aug. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.
Dr. Joseph Georges Ph.D., Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute. Personal interview. 4 Oct. 2014.
Andersen, Ross. "Why Cognitive Enhancement Is in Your Future (and Your Past)." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 06 Feb. 2012. Web. 06 Oct. 2014.
Santoni De Sio, Filippo, Nadira Faulmüller, and Nicole A. Vincent. "Cognitive Enhancement and the Future of Work." Humanity+. Hplusmagazine.com, 10 Sept. 2014. Web. 5 Oct. 2014.
images from www.foc.us