Posted on 09/03/2014 6:39:30 AM PDT by BenLurkin
Given the option, would you want to think faster and have sharper attention? Research suggests that electrical brain stimulation kits could have just those effects. But now some companies are selling such devices online, leading to calls to regulate the technology.
It may sound too good to be true but scientists say the technology is promising.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS), which passes small electrical currents directly on to the scalp, stimulates the nerve cells in the brain (neurons).
It's non-invasive, extremely mild and the US military even uses TDCS in an attempt to improve the performance of its drone pilots.
Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote You need to know how long to stimulate, at what time to stimulate and what intensity to use” End Quote Dr Roy Cohen Kadosh
University of Oxford
The idea is that it makes the neurons more likely to fire and preliminary research suggests electrical simulation can improve attention as well as have a positive impact on people with cognitive impairments and depression.
It has also been shown to increase performance in a maths task, an improvement which was still in place six months later.
The scientist behind this work is Dr Roy Cohen Kadosh from the University of Oxford. He uses TDCS to look at how cognitive functions improve.
"You need to know how long to stimulate, at what time to stimulate and what intensity to use” Dr Roy Cohen Kadosh, University of Oxford
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
I need something. This sounds like just the ticket.
So, can I use my portable tens unit on my forehead for 20 minutes?
The instructions say not to do that.
When all else fails... follow instructions.
Right. This is a dumb, stupid idea. The mind is not just an electrical circuit. It’s much more complex than the little minds of these “scientists” can ever comprehend.
Stoopid instructions.
:-\
“The mind is not just an electrical circuit. It’s much more complex than the little minds of these “scientists” can ever comprehend.”
And the body is not a machine, yet fueling it is pretty much left up to the individual...
Hasn’t Free Republic been using ZOT technology for decades?
I use occasional low-dose TCDS (trans-cranial DC stimulation) for creativity enhancement. A writing experiment convinced me of its value several years ago. Safer than drugs, I hope.
TDCS is also said to be effective in the alleviation of depression.
Are we still using the ZOT9000 or has there been an upgrade?
Our nervous system is actually chemical reactions so the electrical stimuli described here is lower intensity and pinpoint electrotherapy or shock treatments. I wouldn’t mess with it. Exercise and eat right.
(heh, our radar is now bigger/better than yours).
TDCS, feh. When they come up with an orgasmatron, call me.
It might make you unipolar (if that’s what you want).
I’ll discuss it with myselves and put it to a vote.
So sticking a bare end of an extention cord into my ear isn’t a good idea?
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