Neural circuits make use of voltage to propagate information throughout the nervous system. Similarly, computers make use of voltage to propagate information. This presents the interesting potential of brain-computer interfaces. Communication between a brain and a computer would create endless possibilities for both medical treatment and daily life.
Sven Vanneste studies the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the neural circuits that involve memory. He has found that tDCS of the occipital nerve (ON-tDCS) improves memory function (Vanneste et al., 2020). tDCS works by applying current to the scalp in order to stimulate the underlying nerves, allowing outside augmentation of neural circuits. This study and others investigating the effects of current stimulation on the nervous system bring to light implications for possible applications and mechanisms of brain-computer interface technology.
Neuralink, a company created by Elon Musk, is creating a surgically implanted chip that would allow the user to control a phone or computer with only their mind (John, 2020). Whereas tDCS allows a one-way connection where a computer can influence neural circuits, Neuralink allows a two-way connection where the brain can influence and control a computer as well as receive information itself. Because the nerves in the brain must be able to send current to the computer for this to work, Neuralink requires a chip be surgically connected in the brain instead of the non-invasive application to the scalp used in tDCS. This makes Neuralink much more dangerous and riskier than tDCS. However, as surgical technology advances, systems involving this kind of two-way brain-computer interface may become more accessible.
The common language of neural circuits and electrical circuits creates unique possibilities for brain-computer interfacing. This technology could create many revolutionary medical treatments, but it could also change the way we as humans interact with technology. With recent advancements in the application of tDCS and in the creation of two-way brain-computer interfaces, the sci-fi image of human cyborgs may be much closer than expected.
Works Cited
John, Cyrus. “Neuralink Explained: How We Will Talk to Machines Using Our Brain.” TheQuint, 24 July 2020, https://www.thequint.com/explainers/what-is-neuralink-and-how-does-it-work-explained#read-more.
Vanneste, Sven, et al. “The Peripheral Effect of Direct Current Stimulation on Brain Circuits Involving Memory.” Science Advances, vol. 6, no. 45, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax9538.
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