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Brain implant boosts human memory by mimicking how we learn
www.newscientist.com ^ | 13 November 2017 | By Jessica Hamzelou

Posted on 11/14/2017 6:34:01 AM PST by Red Badger

A “memory prosthesis” brain implant has enhanced human memory for the first time. The device is comprised of electrodes implanted in the brain, and is designed to mimic the way we naturally process memories, and can boost performance on memory tests by up to 30 per cent. A similar approach may work for enhancing other brain skills, such as vision or movement, says the team behind the work.

“We are writing the neural code to enhance memory function,” says Dong Song of the University of Southern California, who presented the findings at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington DC over the weekend. “This has never been done before.”

The team’s implant gives small electric shocks to the hippocampus, a brain region vital for learning and memory. By releasing bursts of electricity in a pattern that mimics normal, healthy brain activity patterns, it is hoped that the device will help with disorders involving memory problems, such as dementia, and even be adapted for other brain areas, to boost other types of brain function.

Song and his colleagues implanted their device in 20 volunteers who were having electrodes put into their brains anyway, to treat epilepsy.

First, the team used the device to collect data on patterns of activity in the brain when the people were learning. Each volunteer performed a memory test, in which they had to remember which unusual, blobby shapes they had been shown 5 to 10 seconds before. This test measures short-term memory, and people normally score around 80 per cent on this task.

(Excerpt) Read more at newscientist.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Computers/Internet; Health/Medicine; Science
KEYWORDS: brain; implant; prosthesis

1 posted on 11/14/2017 6:34:02 AM PST by Red Badger
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To: Red Badger
...unusual, blobby shapes

It must be early because I sure read that phrase as something else. ;)

2 posted on 11/14/2017 6:42:31 AM PST by texas booster (Join FreeRepublic's Folding@Home team (Team # 36120) Cure Alzheimer's!)
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To: texas booster

Three would be ‘unusual’..................


3 posted on 11/14/2017 6:43:48 AM PST by Red Badger (Road Rage lasts 5 minutes. Road Rash lasts 5 months!.....................)
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To: Red Badger
This will not end well.


4 posted on 11/14/2017 6:45:03 AM PST by Lazamataz (The "news" networks and papers are bitter, dangerous enemies of the American people.)
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To: Red Badger

I’m sure it will be un-hackable.

I’d sure like a chance to get into the brain implants of Liberals and the Senate.


5 posted on 11/14/2017 6:48:52 AM PST by ImJustAnotherOkie
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To: ImJustAnotherOkie
I’d sure like a chance to get into the brain implants of Liberals and the Senate.

What bran implants?

First you must have a brain to be implanted in..................

6 posted on 11/14/2017 6:52:21 AM PST by Red Badger (Road Rage lasts 5 minutes. Road Rash lasts 5 months!.....................)
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To: Red Badger

They obviously have more brain cells than a cow, they don’t poop on their feet when they walk.


7 posted on 11/14/2017 7:00:25 AM PST by ImJustAnotherOkie
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To: ImJustAnotherOkie

.....That we know of.........


8 posted on 11/14/2017 7:00:59 AM PST by Red Badger (Road Rage lasts 5 minutes. Road Rash lasts 5 months!.....................)
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To: Red Badger

As we add various prosthetics to ourselves, at what point will ne longer be humans with souls?

I realize “soul” is a quaint concept in fully atheist, post-Christian America, but are we still us at 49%?

Are we at 51%? 90%?

There can be no physical attribute argument against a machine (computer) claiming it feels like it has a soul.

If it says it does, then I guess it does.


9 posted on 11/14/2017 7:12:27 AM PST by William of Barsoom (In Omnia, Paratus)
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To: William of Barsoom

As long as there is ‘Free Will’ there is a human.................


10 posted on 11/14/2017 7:14:08 AM PST by Red Badger (Road Rage lasts 5 minutes. Road Rash lasts 5 months!.....................)
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To: Red Badger

A pen drive for the noggin.


11 posted on 11/14/2017 7:42:01 AM PST by headstamp 2 (My "White Privilege" is my work ethic.)
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To: Red Badger

Interesting. What is even going to be considered better if everyone has the same potential ?


12 posted on 11/14/2017 7:48:50 AM PST by erlayman (yw)
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To: Red Badger

This is lies. Don’t fall for this scam. It’s purpose is to create a nation of zombies. This is evil incarnate.


13 posted on 11/14/2017 8:04:07 AM PST by Seruzawa (TANSTAAFL!)
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To: Red Badger

Dong Song...if you used that name in a work of fiction you’d be accused of bigotry!


14 posted on 11/14/2017 9:01:12 AM PST by JimRed ( TERM LIMITS, NOW! Build the Wall Faster! TRUTH is the new HATE SPEECH.)
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To: JimRed

Sum Ting Wong wit dat?.....................


15 posted on 11/14/2017 9:08:17 AM PST by Red Badger (Road Rage lasts 5 minutes. Road Rash lasts 5 months!.....................)
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To: Red Badger

This will be a godsend for the Democrats. They might actually remember where they are at


16 posted on 11/14/2017 11:43:26 AM PST by okie 54
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To: Red Badger
I think this is what was done for Uhura after Nomad wiped her memory and she had to relearn everything.
ping
17 posted on 11/14/2017 1:55:10 PM PST by minnesota_bound
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